1. Why do horse flies hate stripes?
A brand new research from the College of Bristol has constructed on earlier analysis to have a look at the explanation why horse flies don’t wish to land on stripes. The scientists used horses carrying various kinds of patterned rugs for the research, which was revealed yesterday (20 February) within the Journal of Experimental Biology. They discovered that stark black-white distinctions and small darkish patches have been significantly efficient in thwarting assaults. Their concept is that skinny black stripes minimise giant, monochrome darkish patches, which horse flies would discover interesting. Will we see new ranges of black and white-patterned fly rugs available on the market forward of this yr’s fly season?
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2. A really particular second
Following her prognosis with terminal pancreatic most cancers and being informed she had solely weeks to dwell, Suzie Valkyrie’s long-standing pal Michelle Ross organized for her to have one final horsey expertise – a go to from eight-year-old mare Darcy, due to her proprietor Gemma Almond. Michelle informed H&H she and Suzie have been pals for about 30 years. They rode and saved horses collectively, and fundraised in help of the uncared for equines at Spindles Farm. Then about 19 years in the past, Suzie was informed she couldn’t trip once more as she had arthritis, a spinal situation and fibromyalgia.
Michelle mentioned: “She hadn’t actually been close to a horse for 13 or 14 years; hadn’t had that horse scent that all of us love.” So Michelle made it her mission for Suzie to spend a while with a horse, one final time. Michelle added: “We will’t change the result however hopefully we are able to make it as straightforward for Suzie as we are able to. Gemma’s a carer and such a stunning woman. Suzie requested me afterwards to thank her and she or he mentioned ‘I don’t suppose she is aware of what that meant’. I mentioned ‘Sure, she does’.”
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3. A donkey profitable a BAFTA (virtually)
Padraic and Jenny the donkey in The Banshees of Inisherin.
The Banshees of Inisherin, a darkish tragicomedy that includes Jenny the donkey as one of many movie’s central characters, has gained 4 BAFTAs, together with excellent British movie. “At its coronary heart, it is a movie about companionship,” mentioned a spokesman for the Donkey Sanctuary. “The bond between Padraic and [donkey] Jenny symbolises true friendship. In contrast to Colm, Jenny the donkey is characteristically affected person, loyal and dependable – the human pal we’d all like to have.” The movie’s BAFTA success follows recognition on the Golden Globes. Additionally it is tipped for Oscars glory subsequent month, as is EO, a Cannes award-winning movie that reveals the world from a donkey’s perspective.
Discover out extra concerning the movie and its awards
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Credit score: Peter Nixon
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