HORSE owners in Ryedale are being urged to contribute data from their horses to help a national study into equine laminitis.

The study is being carried out as part of National CARE Day, which took place on February 10.

Undertaken by the Animal Health Trust and Royal Veterinary College, it aims to help unite the equine community to shed light on laminitis.

Equine laminitis is a complex disease which affects the structure and correct function of the horse’s foot, resulting in debilitating pain.

Dee Pollard, a PhD student, said: "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."

"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."

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 CARE members to submit regular information about their horses' health and management online.

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

Horse owner Gail has registered her horse Shamrock for the study, despite him never having had the condition.

She said: "The study encourages me to keep a close eye on Shamrock’s condition. It’s very easy when you have a retired pony in a field and are seeing them twice a day to not be aware of small changes in their health.

"If you’ve got a horse, please get involved."

Ms Pollard added: "We are calling on everyone who loves horses 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."

Owners of almost 1,500 horses and ponies have signed up to CARE already, but a further 1,000 are needed. For more information go to careaboutlaminitis.org.uk