World Horse Welfare joins the British Equestrian Federation
Monday 13 January 2014
British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is delighted to welcome World Horse Welfare to its membership as of 1 January 2014.
The international horse charity becomes a new associate member of the national governing body for horse sports in the UK. It is intended that the new partnership will strengthen the relationships between the BEF, World Horse Welfare and the existing member organisations of the federation. As a member body World Horse Welfare, which carries significant responsibilities for welfare, will further enhance the importance of horse welfare in equestrian sport as the charity brings its valuable expertise to a wide range of issues.
Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the BEF commented: “It is important that we provide an environment that allows our member bodies to work together on all issues surrounding the horse. Equestrian welfare is particularly critical to all we do and therefore World Horse Welfare’s role is vital to our industry. We have been highly impressed by the leadership and quality of the work of the organisation and are delighted to welcome them on board as part of our operation.
“Their coming into the Federation draws together the work we do both nationally and internationally in conjunction with the FEI (Federation Equestrian Internationale). This is a particularly important time in review of the considerable number of horses requiring care and attention. There is also a potential synergy for us in partnership with World Horse Welfare in finding homes for horses after rehabilitation - that will not only improve welfare but may also contribute to increasing participation.”
World Horse Welfare Chief Executive, Roly Owers commented: “World Horse Welfare is delighted to become a member of the BEF. Our membership makes good sense given our long-term support for the responsible use of horses in sport and our role as welfare advisors to the international federation (FEI) for the past three decades. Of course we already liaise closely with the BEF, such as through the Equine Sector Council, but this development can only help further strengthen our relationship. We fully support the BEF’s strategy, most especially the emphasis on ‘better horses’, as equine welfare is so important in all aspects of equine sport.”
The BEF is an umbrella organisation representing the interests of 4.2 million riders, vaulters and carriage drivers in Great Britain in partnership with its 19 independent member bodies (15 full and four associate). It exists to provide leadership, vision and purpose in steering the direction of equestrianism. Established in 1972 it is the largest representative body within the equestrian industry and together with the British Horse Racing Board and the Thoroughbred Breeders Association forms the British Horse Industry Confederation (BHIC).
World Horse Welfare is an international horse charity dedicated to improving the lives of horses in the UK and around the world through education, campaigning, and hands-on care. Founded in 1927, the charity is still driven by the desire to stop unnecessary suffering, using a practical approach and scientific evidence to deliver lasting change across the full spectrum of the horse world.
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