HORSE owners across East Hampshire are being urged to share vital information on laminitis to support a national CARE study into the disease by the Animal Health Trust and the Royal Veterinary College.

CARE is the first and largest web-based equine study in Britain. Its mission is to determine how common laminitis is and which equine lifestyle factors affect its development by asking members to submit regular information about their equines’ health and management online.

Participation is open to all types, ages, sizes and breeds of horses and ponies, whether or not they have ever had laminitis.

Equine laminitis is a complex disease which affects the structure and correct function of the horse’s foot, resulting in debilitating pain. It can affect any horse regardless of age, size or breed.

Launched on National CARE Day on February 10, the study is open to people to sign up until August.

According to Animal Health Trust and the Royal Veterinary College spokesman Dee Pollard: “Equine laminitis is ranked as one of the top health concerns by both owners and vets. Most horse owners will have either had experience of laminitis themselves or will know of someone who has.

“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.”

To be funded by World Horse Welfare and supported by Rossdales Equine Hospital, the study is asking all horse owners to get involved by sharing images and video footage on the CARE website and social media, encouraging all of their horse-owning fiends and supporter to register for CARE.

Dee 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.”

Owners of almost 1,500 horses and ponies have signed up to CARE already, but a further 1,000 are needed. Their contribution will improve the welfare of horses throughout Britain and help us stop laminitis taking control.

To get involved, visit careaboutlaminitis.org.uk.