GWENT horse owners are being urged to mark National CARE Day next week by sharing vital information with national equine study.

The CARE study, undertaken by the Animal Health Trust and Royal Veterinary College, aims to help unite the equine community to shed light on laminitis. The disease is debilitating and can affect any horse regardless of age, size or breed. It is ranked as one of the top health concerns by both owners and vets.

As part of CARE Day on February 10, horse owners are being asked to report data for their horses to help this national study.

Laminitis is a major welfare concern because affected horses are much more likely to have multiple recurrent episodes, which can be life-threatening.

Despite this, a knowledge gap still exists regarding the true frequency of this condition in Britain, as well as how to best prevent it.

Phd Student Dee Pollard said: “We need a collaborative effort by all horse owners, professionals and researchers to both raise awareness about laminitis and, in time, to help make early recognition of laminitis less deceptive.”

“On National CARE Day we are calling on everyone involved in the equine world in Wales to join us in sharing our images and video on their website and social media, encouraging all of their horse-owning friends and supporters to register for CARE.”

To get involved visit www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk