This page was originally set up in 2008 following the death of Sapphire a gorgeous filly I had bred and sold to my friend Josie in Scotland and then re activated following the devastating death of Oscar last June to the same disease. Both cases are totally unrelated and Oscar & Sapphire didn't not ever visit or stay the same premises.

Sapphire was just 1 year old, a picture of health with a fantastic future ahead of her. Overnight she became desperately ill and within 24 hours of the onset she had been diagnosed with acute grass sickness and had to be euthanized. She exhibited all the shocking symptoms of the acute form, this is not anything any horse or owner should have to go through if a prevention or cure is possible.

Oscar was a stunningly beautiful skewbald Warmblood x Welsh cob with a huge and very cheeky character. He was a multi talented horse who had won at the Royal Welsh (in hand) as a youngster and also he regularly jumped BSJA & Cross country with success often clearing the jumps with 2 foot to spare. The first year I had him he seemed to object to ridden in showing classes often rodeoing around the ring as soon as we went into canter, never enough to get me off but it was enough to get us asked to leave the ring! He would then fly round a course of jumps in the ring next to where he was thrown out as if to say it was just the poncy showing he had a problem with. He soon settled down and his bucking became less and less and gradually more people were brave enough to have a go on him and all fell in love with him as they did. Even though he liked to dance and skip around you always felt safe on him, there was no nastiness in it he just liked having fun and he was the kindest sweetest horse really. In May of this year we returned to one of the shows he had bucked around so much last year and he completed his ridden showing classes without a single buck. He was placed in every class and we were so proud of him, it was so clear to see just how much he had come on in a year. Then in June he became off colour and started showing signs of impacted colic, he was admitted to the vet clinic originally they assured us it was not grass sickness but an impaction and should shift with intensive treatment. His condition became progressively worse and on the 6th day although the vets still would not confirm it was grass sickness I knew in my heart it was and couldn't bear to see him suffer any more so he was put to sleep. The post mortem confirmed sub acute grass sickness which is always fatal. He was just 8 years old, fit, healthy and a lovely kind fun horse. To see him suffer and fade away with this disease was absolutely heartbreaking.

The grass sickness fund who I am raising for have been so much help to me and given me advice on what I can do to protect the other horses, even when I was crying so much I could hardly speak they went though everything with me and reassured me I could call them when ever I needed if I had any more questions. They have made so much progress since I raised the money for Sapphire in 2008 and it is hopeful a possible vaccine will be trialled next year but they desperately need more money for research to make this happen. All money raised will go to directly to them to help fund this.

Since its inception in 1988 the Equine Grass Sickness Fund has supported research projects which aim to

There are three form of grass sickness, acute which is always fatal, symptoms are related to the paralysis of the digestive tract from the oesophagus downward and include colic like symptoms, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, patchy sweating, muscle tremors & heart arrhythmia. Horses die or are euthanized on humane grounds within 48 hours of the symptoms onset. Subacute, which has all or some of the same symptoms as acute but less severe, it's is often mistaken for colic. It is still fatal and horses usually die or are euthanized within 7 days. The least severe is chronic which has a slow onset, symptoms include loss of appetite and constipation, if caught early and with good nursing some horses may recover.

It is thought that the number of horses dying annually from grass sickness is much higher than gets reported. Many are misdiagnosed as colic and not all diagnosed cases are being reported.

All horses owners should take the time to read this info: http://www.lincsequestrian.co.uk/Adobe%20Files/GrassSickness_doc[1].pdf

Any donations now matter how small are greatly appreciated, it all adds up.

The 5k run mentioned has been completed. I am hoping to organise a sponsored ride along the Pennine way next year to raise more funds, if any one is interested in taking part or helping please let me know.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Equine Grass Sickness Fund gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.