News

Are you driving legally?

The Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has enforced further legislation which affects anyone driving a horsebox at weekends. Anyone with a full time job could now be prevented from driving their HGV at weekends.

Drivers' Hours Regulations

On 11 April 2007, the Regulations governing drivers’ hours changed, and Council Regulation (EC) No 3820/85 was replaced by Regulation (EC) No 561/2006. Although some of the rules are the same, or broadly similar, some changes have been implemented. This is a brief summary of the new rules.

Drivers' Hours Regulations from 11 Apr 2007

Daily driving

9 hours. Can be extended to 10 hours twice a week.

Weekly driving

A weekly driving time limit of 56 hours is specified in the new rules.

Fortnightly driving

ERS and Equi-Trek announce new breakdown cover deal

Equi-Trek Horse Trailer

ERS rescues Horses4Heroes rider

Katie and her horseEquine Rescue Services recently supported the charity Help for Heroes by offering free roadside assistance to all participants travelling to and from the Horses4Heroes sponsored ride at Windsor Great Park and Ascot Racecourse on 10th July.

One rider who was really glad of our support was Katie, who told us about her experiences:

Guaranteed peace of mind: Inspect a horsebox before you buy

To increase your vehicle’s safety and minimise risk of break down, ERS is working in partnership with the Freight Transport Association to provide independent HGV inspection services.

The pre-purchase inspection service gives you the advice you need to make an informed purchase on a used horsebox.

The FTA team of over 130 qualified engineers carry out over 2,000 inspections every week. This first class inspection provides expert advice for anyone considering buying a motorised horsebox or getting a conversion.

Horse industry petitions against vehicle driving rules

The British Horse Society, British Equestrian Federation and Horse and Hound magazine are petitioning for drivers of large horseboxes to be excluded from laws over compulsory and prohibitive rest periods.

As our earlier news story, Are you driving legally?, reported, new legislation means that any rider or parent of a rider who has a full-time job, unconnected to their hobby, is not legally able to drive a large horsebox for both days of every weekend.

Laytons Solicitors Legal Helpline

Laytons Solicitors

In conjunction with national law firm, Laytons, we are pleased to offer access to a new "legal helpline" on matters concerning equine law.

Laytons provide advice and assistance to both private and commercial clients on a variety of equine-related topics including amongst other things: disputes, veterinary negligence, product liability, buying and selling, loans, stud, livery, ownership, transport and sponsorship.

Orchard Scurry Team - HOYS Update

Orchard Scurry Team's 'Rough & Tumble' and 'Touch & Go' teams both qualified for this year's Horse of the Year Show. Chris and Paul Orchard sent us the following update:

"Just a short note to let you know how we got on at HOYS.

"After a very unlucky and disappointing first three heats, not even managing to get in the top six with either pair, we were left in a position where we had one last chance in the very last heat to get us into the Saturday night championships.

Orchard Scurry Team - photos

We've had lots of photos from our friends at the Orchard Scurry Team this year, and we thought you might like to see their ponies in action. You can find out more about Orchard Scurry Team at: http://www.orchard-scurry-team.co.uk/.

Ashfields


British Open


Carriage Fair

Orchard Scurry Team's 'Rough & Tumble' qualify for HOYS

Orchard Scurry Team's 'Rough & Tumble', sponsored by ERS, have qualified for this year's Horse of the Year Show by winning at the recent Edenbridge & Oxted show. They will be joining the team's 'Touch & Go', who have already qualified.

Chris and Paul Orchard sent us this update:

Orchard Scurry Team's 'Touch and Go' qualify for HOYS

Orchard Scurry Team's 'Touch and Go', sponsored by ERS, have qualified for this year's Horse of the Year Show by winning at the recent Suffolk County show.

Chris and Paul Orchard sent us this update:

"Great news, we've qualified 'Touch & Go' for this years 'Horse Of the Year Show' (HOYS) by winning at the recent Suffolk County show. We're delighted with the ponies so far this season as they've been going really well and getting many top placings in all the other competitions.

Pay for your membership with Annual Direct Debit

We are delighted to advise that due to demand from our customers we also offer Annual Direct Debit as a payment option. Annual Direct Debit is the best way to pay for your membership, because it means that you will always have emergency support for you and your horses.

If you would like to pay for your membership using Annual Direct Debit, please call us on 01300 348 997, and we can take all your details over the phone.

Recommend a Friend

We would like to invite you to recommend a friend to Equine Rescue Services. If you pass on a friend’s name and address, and your friend subsequently joins ERS, you could be entitled to a significant discount on your next membership fee!

The amount of discount that you could earn depends on the type of membership that your friend takes out:

Reivers' Ride raises over £65,000 for ABF The Soldiers' Charity

We assembled on Sat 23 July at The Stables, Callaly Castle. The ten horses all arrived from different quarters and were grouped into 4 compartments made from electric tape putting stable mates together and hoping they wouldn’t kick the hell out of each other. We needn’t have worried as by the end of the first days riding they were all too tired to think of such things. In the evening we all went to Alnwick Castle for a dinner and talk in aid of the charity.

Special Offer on Membership - Get 3 Years for the Price of 2

Equine Rescue Services are delighted to be able to offer you a very special deal on membership.

Anyone paying for two years membership now will be entitled to a third year ABSOLUTELY FREE - that's 3 for the price of 2.

Paying in this way will also mean that you get next year's membership at this year's price - well worth doing when VAT will increase to 20% in January 2011.

If you would like to take advantage of this very special offer, please contact our Membership department on 01300 348 997, as this offer is not available for online applications.

Special Tyre Replacement Offer for Equine Rescue Services Members

Another great offer to members from ERS.

If you have been unfortunate enough to experience a tyre blow-out whilst travelling with your horses, you'll know how stressful it can be, particularly if this happens on a motorway or busy 'A' road.

We always recommend that you check all the tyres, including the spare, and replace any that are worn or damaged.

Ten Essential Tips For Travelling With Horses

Travelling with horses can be a stressful event not only for you but also your horse.

Equine Rescue Services estimates that an incredible 70% of the breakdowns it attends could have been avoided with a little pre-journey preparation and basic safety procedures.

Equine Rescue Services has compiled 10 essential travel tips for our members:

Top Tips on Driving Trailers in the Snow

TRAAKiT - the smart GPS tracking and security device for Farms and Riders

Equine Rescue Services is pleased to introduce the TRAAKiT smart GPS tracking and security system with a special discount of £40 off list price for ERS members.

Keep your horsebox, trailer or other equipment secure

We are all aware of the immense attraction thieves have for horse lorries, trailers, ATV’s, quad bikes and other farm equipment, and thefts are on the increase.

Transporting Horses

Here are the most important things you should know about transporting your horses - preparation and planning beforehand, things to remember during the journey, and caring for your horse and horsebox afterwards.

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If your friend takes out You could earn a discount of
Equine Trailer Assist membership £10 or 10% off your next renewal, whichever is greater