Strangles Awareness Week (SAW) is here, 5th May – 11th May!
The equestrian world is uniting once again to shine a light on the UK’s most common equine infectious disease. Held during the first week of May each year, SAW is a collaborative campaign that brings together horse owners, riders, yard managers and vets to raise awareness and reduce the risk of Strangles outbreaks.
Whether you’re a happy hacker or a professional competitor, Strangles doesn’t discriminate — and the consequences can be devastating for horses, owners and equestrian businesses alike. That’s why the campaign is calling on everyone to take simple, proactive steps to keep horses safe.
At the heart of this year’s campaign is the BEST initiative — four practical actions designed to help reduce the risk of infection:
- Boost immunity with Strangles vaccination
- Engage with trusted information
- Separate unfamiliar horses
- Temperature check routinely
These steps are easy to incorporate into daily horse care and are backed by vets and equine health experts across the UK.
SAW also features real-life stories, like that of Claire and her horse Otto, who battled through a Strangles outbreak and came out the other side. Their experience highlights just how vital it is to be prepared and vigilant.
There are plenty of ways to get involved, including becoming a SAW Ambassador — a free and simple way to help spread the word and access ready-to-share graphics, videos and resources. Ambassadors like Riding with Rhi are already leading the way, sharing messages that help others take action and stay informed.
This year, why not join them? Signing up takes seconds, and you’ll be joining a growing national network committed to one goal — protecting horses from Strangles.
Let’s spread the word, not the disease.
Visit the Strangles Awareness Week website to sign up as an ambassador and learn more about the BEST actions you can take today.
