Summer comes with a yellow warning

We’ve had a very typical Great British summer so far, haven’t we? A little bit of sunshine and plenty of showers! Other than not knowing whether we’re coming or going with the fluctuating temperatures – not to mention masks, social distancing and everything else we have to think about – the mix of wet and dry weather has caused everything to grow like mad, including the dreaded ragwort.

The British Horse Society recently issued a warning across the UK that ragwort levels are worryingly high due to the excess rain. Ragwort contains toxic compounds, which can cause irreversible liver damage to horses and ponies. Even more worrying, horses don’t tend to show symptoms until their liver is up to 70% damaged.

So make sure you check your fields regularly for any sign of ragwort and safely pull up and dispose of it before it spreads any further. We’re lucky enough to occupy 40 acres of Essex countryside here at Remus and love our wildlife areas, which encourage plant life and all sorts of critters, yet we still have to be ever so vigilant throughout the year to keep our fields safe for all.

Read more about the BHS ragwort warning here: www.yourhorse.co.uk/news/bhs-ragwort-warning

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And, if you’ve not yet signed up for our latest fundraiser, here’s the link: donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/-remus-reservoir-challenge.