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.

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

Equine 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:

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.

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.

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.

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', 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', 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.

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.