The NEWC Board received some wonderful nominations for our second year of Annual Awards – thank you to everyone who took the time to recognise colleagues, volunteers, and fellow members. The winners were announced at our AGM on 19th September, highlighting the incredible work and achievements made by individuals and teams across our member organisations.
“The NEWC Annual Awards are a chance to shine a light on the incredible dedication and compassion shown every day by those working to improve equine welfare. This year’s winners and nominees remind us of the power of collaboration, expertise, and perseverance across our network. Their achievements not only make a real difference to horses and ponies, but also inspire us all to keep striving for the highest standards of welfare.”
— Carolyn Madgwick, NEWC Chair
Team of the Year – Appleby Equine Care Team (Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, and Mare and Foal Sanctuary)
This year’s winning team demonstrated extraordinary collaboration, seamlessly working together despite being drawn from different organisations. At the busy and challenging Appleby Horse Fair, they provided exceptional care to equines, supported vets and welfare inspectors, and ensured timely and safe transport for animals needing intervention. Their professionalism, compassion, and resilience shone through in an environment that is often fast-paced, congested, and unpredictable. It was inspiring to see new and experienced members working side by side as if they had been a team for years, reflecting the strength and community of the NEWC network.
Employee of the Year – Investigation Officer (World Horse Welfare)
Recognised for 20 years of exceptional service, this officer has been pivotal in improving equine welfare across the UK and beyond. From complex investigations to influencing national policy, their determination and compassion have led to lasting change, including improvements in equine traceability, welfare in the meat trade, and transport legislation. The impact of their work is clear and far-reaching.
Volunteer of the Year – Dr Esther Skelly-Smith (North of Ireland Veterinary Association - NIVA)
Esther has been an outstanding advocate for equine welfare in Northern Ireland and across the British Isles. She organised the first all-island Equine Welfare Symposium in 2023, bringing together horse owners, vets, farriers, charities, and government representatives. Through follow-up reports, stakeholder meetings, and ongoing initiatives, Esther continues to champion equine welfare, ensuring that discussion and action remain high on the agenda.
President’s Award – Kate Wright (Bransby Horses)
Since joining Bransby Horses in 2022, Kate has shown exceptional dedication to equine welfare. Drawing on skills from a 30-year military career, she has handled complex cases involving animal hoarding, owner incapacity, and challenging welfare investigations, often collaborating with police, local authorities, and other charities. Her perseverance, empathy, and professionalism have safeguarded hundreds of equines in Lincolnshire and beyond, making her a true ambassador for the sector.
Looking Ahead – NEWC Annual Awards 2026
Entries for next year’s Annual Awards will open in the New Year, with winners announced at the AGM. We encourage all members to get involved and share the remarkable work your teams are doing.
Concerns were raised by members of the public in May 2024, which prompted action from The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare. Welfare officers discovered several semi-feral herds of Icelandic horses. There was unmanaged breeding, with pregnant mares living alongside fighting colts and stallions. Some were found with life-threatening injuries. High worm burdens, especially among young horses, posed a major concern, with some random samples showing levels in the thousands. Excessive worms can lead to malnutrition, poor growth, colic, and other health problems, making it crucial to manage parasite control to keep the horses healthy and thriving.
All of the organisations involved are proud members of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC). This operation exemplifies how NEWC members work together to achieve the best possible welfare outcomes for equines in need.
The equine charities worked together with the RSPCA across several sites in Devon. As the owner cooperated, horses were signed over in stages over several months to the three charities.
Two additional charities, The Donkey Sanctuary and Redwings Horse Sanctuary, supported the operation with extra transport, equipment and expertise. Blue Cross also stepped in at the conclusion of the case with an offer to rehome some of the horses. The entire process was a vet-led, multi-agency effort adhering to strict codes of practice upheld by all partners. Injured horses and those deemed most at risk by the vets were removed first, followed by mares and foals in need of specialist care, then stallions. Healthy mares and foals were taken last. By the end of summer 2025, all horses had been safely removed.
Throughout, the focus remained on achieving the best possible welfare outcomes for the equines, demonstrating how teamwork and dedication can make a real difference in safeguarding their well-being. The charities have united in a message encouraging all equine owners who may be struggling to come forward and seek help.
Leah Brock, Senior Field Officer at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, described the operation as a true achievement of collective effort. “I am deeply relieved that all horses involved in this case have now been safely removed” she said. “It has been truly humbling to witness the way each charity stepped forward without hesitation, offering their time, resources, and expertise to ensure these equines received the care they needed. The commitment shown to alleviating potential suffering has been nothing short of inspiring. This operation demanded significant manpower and perseverance, often in challenging weather conditions. I am incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in bringing this case to a positive conclusion.”
World Horse Welfare’s Deputy Chief Field Officer Jon Phipps said: “I’m delighted that by working together in this way, we’ve managed to safeguard the future of these lovely horses. We had major concerns for their welfare, and without rapid intervention, an already unstable situation was in danger of spiralling totally out of control. World Horse Welfare have taken in a large number of the horses across two of our rescue and rehoming centres and the teams have been very impressed by the way they have taken to the rehabilitation process on our farms. The resilience, friendliness, and quick learning they’re already demonstrating, having arrived pretty much unhandled, is a real tribute to the Icelandic breed.”
RSPCA Inspector Sarah Morris, who led for the animal welfare charity, said: “This multi-agency approach demonstrated what can be achieved when charities collaborate towards common goals. Each charity contributed specialist skills and knowledge, which allowed us to support the horses and the owner. We encourage the public to work with us, follow guidance, and correctly manage the welfare of their animals, and reach out for help when needed. I cannot praise enough the work of the equine charities involved in this operation; what we achieved was truly amazing.”
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: "We were happy to be able to assist in this operation and help play a vital part in a successful welfare outcome for this large group of equines. Whilst there were no donkeys or mules involved in this case, one of our Donkey Welfare Advisers and our experienced lorry drivers were able to assist with the planning, loading and transport of some of these horses, helping to reduce risks and ensure they reached their new destinations safely."
This case is a powerful example of the collaboration that sits at the heart of NEWC. Through shared expertise, coordinated response, and mutual support, NEWC members continue to demonstrate the impact of working together for the welfare of equines across the UK.
The National Equine Welfare Council has welcomed a new Director to its governance team. Dawn Vincent, from The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, was elected to the board at NEWC’s annual general meeting in September, bringing specific expertise to support the Council’s mission.
Chair of NEWC, Carolyn Madgwick, says: "We are thrilled to welcome Dawn Vincent to the NEWC Board. Her extensive experience in fundraising, communications, and leadership within the equine sector will be invaluable as we continue to support our members and advocate for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules across the UK. Dawn’s passion and expertise align perfectly with NEWC’s mission, and we look forward to her contributions in strengthening our collective impact."
Dawn says: “I am genuinely humbled to be appointed as a director. I first became aware of this remarkable organisation nearly 20 years ago while working at The Donkey Sanctuary on a joint campaign addressing the dangers of ragwort to equines across the UK. It was then that I realised the vital role NEWC plays in uniting the nation’s most dedicated charities and organisations, advocating for the welfare and well-being of all equine species, and providing a strong, collective voice on their behalf.
“NEWC also does exceptional work in supporting a better quality of life for horses, ponies, and donkeys, drawing on the expertise and experience of the very organisations it represents. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Director through my role at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, an organisation that collaborates closely with NEWC.
“As a Director, I am committed to contributing to NEWC’s strategy, supporting its members, and championing equines at every level of policy and practice. My focus will be on ensuring balanced representation for horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, advocating for the recognition of their welfare needs, and highlighting the invaluable role these animals play in society.”
Dawn joins the governance board alongside a diverse group of leaders and experts from the equine and animal welfare sector, including: Carolyn Madgwick (The Horse Trust), Ruth Court (Blue Cross), Dr Carol Hall (Nottingham Trent University), Claire Gordon (World Horse Welfare), Nicolas De Brauwere (Redwings Horse Sanctuary), Hannah Bryer (The Donkey Sanctuary), and Dr Mark Kennedy (RSPCA).
Find out more about Dawn here: Meet the Team.
Redwings is sharing more insights into some of the challenges horse owners face when trying to keep their horse(s) safe from fireworks, in a new report of further analysis from their 5,000-strong respondent survey, published here (on Tuesday 2nd September).
The Fireworks and Horses survey, which ran for five weeks between December 2024 and January 2025, attracted 5,128 complete responses from across the UK. It was developed to gather evidence of firsthand experiences and owner attitudes regarding the impact of fireworks on horses in their care.*
A preliminary report was published in February.
The charity says there is now compelling evidence that the ability of owners to keep their horses safe is limited when fireworks are set off nearby, even with advance notice.
And the data shows that stabled horses are still vulnerable when fireworks are set off and at risk of injury, illness or even death. A third (33%) of those horses sustaining long-term injury or illness due to fireworks were stabled at the time.
More than three-quarters of survey respondents said they put measures in place to help protect their horse(s), from bringing them into a stable and leaving the radio on, to giving calmers or sedation. The most common practical step was to provide extra food or forage to help keep the horse occupied (48%). More than half (54%) said they also stayed with their horse, while 57% carried out extra checks to monitor their well-being.
However, the data suggests that there are no simple solutions to managing horses during fireworks. Even when measures included the use of prescription sedation, they were judged to be only ‘moderately’ or ‘slightly’ effective by the majority of those who took this step (78%). There were similar results from those who had used over-the-counter calmers; almost half of the respondents who had used calmers rated their protective actions as only ‘slightly effective’ (49%).
Helen Whitelegg, Redwings’ Campaigns and Policy Manager, said: “Horse owners have limited ability to proactively protect their animals from the negative effects of fireworks being set off nearby, if indeed they are forewarned about them at all. More than 70% (71%) of Redwings’ Fireworks and Horses survey respondents whose horse had been affected by fireworks had not been aware that a display was planned.
“Nowadays, fireworks are set off all year round, which can pose a huge problem for horse owners as horses are highly sensitive flight animals that use their ability to run away from danger as their main protection from it.
“The idea that bringing horses inside, stabling them, is the answer to protecting them from fireworks is one that comes up time and time again, and it’s one of the decisions many owners wrestle with when planning.
“Half of survey respondents (50%) whose horse had been affected by fireworks said their horse was in a stable at the time, with the other half being turned out, providing us an opportunity to compare the impact of fireworks on each group.
“While the data suggests horses may be statistically less likely to injure themselves or escape while in a stable, the risk of harm or even fatality is certainly not eliminated.
“Survey findings also indicate that stabled horses may potentially be more vulnerable to distress when fireworks are let off. Reports of stress-related behaviours were higher for stabled horses in all categories apart from attempting to escape, which was around 4% lower.
“There was also a slight increase in people injured in incidents involving stabled horses (11%), over those that were turned out (9%).”
As a horse owner with several hundred equines in its care, Redwings knows firsthand the impact that fireworks can have on horses and the challenges around keeping them safe and spends hundreds of pounds each year on measures to help protect their rescued residents around Bonfire Night. The charity has sadly lost three of its resident ponies in the past because of fireworks. A special episode of Redwings’ podcast ‘Sounds of the Sanctuary’, told the story of Cinders, Sprite and Percy, which is available to listen to here.
Last year, Redwings launched their ‘Keep Horses In Mind’ campaign to encourage people to consider if, and how, they use and enjoy fireworks. To find out more about the charity’s work on fireworks, please visit: redwings.org.uk/fireworks
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), a long-standing member of NEWC, has unveiled a refreshed welfare framework that places the welfare of former racehorses at the very heart of their activities. This update applies to all RoR competitions and mounted events and represents a major step forward in promoting responsible ownership and excellent horsemanship.
With generous support from Agria, RoR’s new welfare framework includes:
These changes reflect RoR’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of retired racehorses throughout their transition into second careers.
Visitors to RoR’s National Championships at Aintree this August (19–24 August) will receive printed copies of the new welfare rules and may spot rosettes being awarded to competitors demonstrating exceptional care, compassion or partnership with their horses.
Find out more about the:
👉 RoR welfare at training and competitions
👉 Updated RoR Welfare Rules
NEWC welcomes this renewed focus on education, transparency and consistent standards — values that underpin our own approach to equine welfare across the UK.
NEWC members receive 10% off the course cost!
Blue Cross has developed an accredited and award-winning CPD training programme to help individuals and teams feel more confident and compassionate when supporting equine owners through loss.
This essential five-hour CPD course is split into two parts:
🖥 A two-hour self-paced online course
🧑🏫 A three-hour live, trainer-led virtual workshop
The training will provide a deeper understanding of equine loss and grief and will equip you with the tools and confidence to navigate sensitive end-of-life discussions with clients. Topics include Quality of Life considerations, euthanasia, compassionate communication techniques, and self-care to support emotional wellbeing in professional roles.
Whether you’re working directly with owners or supporting your team’s interactions, this course offers invaluable learning and insight.
Course length: Five hours (2hr self-paced + 3hr live virtual)
Cost: £99
Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
👉 For more information and to book your place, visit: eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-live-equine-loss-support-training-workshops-tickets-1067218422029
🟦 NEWC member organisations and their staff will receive a 10% discount! Email the office - info@newc.co.uk - for details.
NEWC is delighted to announce that nominations are open for its Annual Member Awards 2025 – a celebration of the individuals and teams across its membership who go above and beyond in their dedication to improving equine welfare.
These annual awards provide a unique opportunity to highlight and honour the often-unsung heroes working across the sector. Whether it’s a long-standing volunteer, an outstanding staff member, or an innovative and collaborative team, we want to hear about those making a real difference.
Awards are open to all member organisations and recognise contributions in the following areas:
There’s no limit to the number of nominations an organisation can submit – the more, the better!
All nominations will be carefully reviewed by the NEWC Board of Directors and assessed based on the following criteria:
Before you submit your nominations, we’d love to remind you of last year’s outstanding winners:
Between them, Redwings Senior Field Officers Jo and Julie have been at the frontline of equine welfare for over 50 years. They’ve helped thousands of horses and donkeys out of neglect and into safety, often being the first on the scene to investigate concerns and provide owner support. Their collaborative work with fellow NEWC organisations, educational outreach, and ongoing management of key Redwings sites makes them a truly exceptional team.
Sarah has been a pillar of HorseWorld since 2000, rising through the ranks to become Head of Equine Welfare. Her leadership, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to staff development and horse welfare has shaped the charity’s progressive, evidence-based approach. Sarah is known for her wisdom, compassion, and constant drive to improve standards for both people and horses.
Jennifer and Harriet have fostered an incredible 154 horses over the past five years as the largest Blue Cross foster yard. Their quiet, dedicated work has changed countless equine lives. Known for their calm yard, dedication to high welfare standards, and willingness to take on horses with any need, their partnership has been transformational. Their care, professionalism, and kindness make them truly deserving of this recognition.
To request a nomination form and details of how to submit your entry, please contact the NEWC office at info@newc.co.uk. Nominations must be submitted by existing NEWC members only.
Nominations close at midnight on Tuesday, 1st July 2025.
The award winners will be officially announced at our upcoming AGM (exact date to be confirmed).
We look forward to celebrating the inspiring work being carried out by our members – thank you for helping us recognise the people and teams who truly go the extra mile for equine welfare.
The first Best at Appleby awards for horse health, happiness and horsemanship have been given at this year’s Fair.
The annual gathering of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which is the biggest in the UK, is taking place in the Cumbrian town.
The Best at Appleby Awards, led by Redwings Horse Sanctuary with support from all the animal welfare charities who make up the Appleby Horse Project*, have been running for 10years this year, and the rosettes being awarded to winners are the biggest yet.
The first Best at Appleby winner was awarded to Rag Lady, a three-year-old half bred Gypsy Cob, and her owner Michael. Michael said that he loves her kind eyes and gentle nature, although she can be a mischief sometimes too!
Six-year-old part bred Pandora was awarded the second Best at Appleby Award of the Fair. Her joint owner Mark said: “Pandora is a lovely all round family horse. She’s very sweet and loving with the grandchildren, who ride her, and she really loves children.
“I’m really pleased with the win! The Best at Appleby Awards have improved owner and vet relationships at the Fair and it’s really nice to be recognised because we try our best to look after our horses as best we can.”
Taylor Swift, a three-year-old Trotter, and her handler Johnny were awarded a Rising Star for young people under 16. Johnny won with pony Heartbreaker a few years ago. His grandfather said that as soon as he got Taylor all he could think about was winning an award with her and worked hard all year to get her into lovely condition.
The awards are sponsored by the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association. They are given by the Appleby Horse Project vet team, made up of vets who work for the animal welfare partner charities and private practice, with specialist awards Best Hoof Health and Best in Harness chosen by experts who give up their time for free.
Head judge Nicola Berryman, a vet at Redwings, said: “We awarded some wonderful winners on Thursday and Friday, who it was a real pleasure to meet along with their owners.
“Our specialist award judges, farrier and educator Dean Bland and Master Saddler and Harness Makers Chris Taylor and Laurence Pearman, made their selections yesterday for Best Hoof Health and Best in Harness.
“There are lot of beautiful horses here this year and myself and the other vets will be watching out for others who catch our eye for all the right reasons throughout Saturday.”
A Vet’s Champion will be selected from the winners, and social media users will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite to be awarded People’s Choice Champion on the Best at Appleby TikTok, Instagram and Facebook pages. Votes will close at 10pm on Saturday night and will be announced on Sunday.
Amid long-standing concerns about the ethics of horse riding, Mary Frances, CEO of Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre in West Sussex, is championing a different perspective - one rooted in decades of experience and a deep respect for equine welfare. Frances argues that, when done correctly, riding not only benefits horses physically but also contributes to their mental well-being and development.
“There’s a misconception that riding is inherently harmful,” Mary explains. “In truth, horses love to be ridden when there is good communication between them and their riders. A knowledgeable, empathetic rider can only enhance a horse’s natural movement, helping them develop stronger muscles and greater confidence. Importantly, from experience, they also become much happier as a result.”
Mary, who has written a detailed article discussing ‘The true essence and ethics involved in horse riding’, acknowledges that poor training methods can result in harm, but she emphasises that responsible riding is a skill requiring patience, dedication, and a lifetime of learning. “We must take responsibility for how we ride,” she states. “If we sit on a horse’s back to train, jump, or hack, then we take on the responsibility of ensuring we have the skills to enhance, not harm, that horse.
“The need to ‘rebalance’ the horse under the added weight of the rider and its equipment is essential – the horse needs to develop the strength needed for this added burden. An understanding of the anatomy and how it moves and works is therefore essential and ongoing, but sadly many riders today simply do not possess this knowledge or appreciate its importance.”
At Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre, experienced professionals work daily to rehabilitate horses and educate riders in methods that foster harmony. The charity’s philosophy is grounded in respect and empathy, advocating for riding practices that prioritise the horse’s well-being above all else. Mary warns against restrictive training methods, such as forcing a horse’s head into unnatural positions or relying on uncomfortable gadgets, stressing that true horsemanship comes from understanding the horse’s anatomy, movement, and emotional state.
“The best riders never stop learning,” Mary concludes. “Every horse we work with teaches us something that we carry forward. The love, respect, and welfare of the horse must always be at the heart of riding. Our experience is that horses enjoy being ridden and love good communication with human beings, but with a caveat that the only people who should strive to become riders are those who truly love and respect the horse.”
To read the full article ‘The true essence and ethics involved in horse riding’, please visit: moorcroftracehorse.org.uk/equine-welfare.
For more general information about Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre and its ethical and effective riding techniques and training programmes, please visit moorcroftracehorse.org.uk.
Staff from eight animal welfare charities* who make up the Appleby Horse Project are making their final preparations for next week’s Fair in the Cumbrian town.
The annual gathering of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which is the biggest in the UK, officially begins next Thursday (5th June), with the biggest days traditionally taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Hundreds of horses are bought and sold at the event, which is also an important holiday for many Fairgoers.
This year is the 10th anniversary of the Best at Appleby Awards, led by Redwings Horse Sanctuary with support from the rest of the animal welfare charity partnership, all members of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC)**, and sponsored by the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association.
The awards recognise the best horse health, happiness and horsemanship at the Fair, with categories including Best Hoof Health and Best in Harness chosen by experts who give up their time for free.***
Over 150 rosettes have been awarded to horses, and their owners or handlers, over the past decade.
Redwings’ Vet Nicola Berryman is head judge of this year’s competition and said: “I’ve been working at Appleby since 2012 and have been helping to judge these awards since their inception 10 years ago.
“The response to the awards has changed so much over the years. We now have so many people bringing their horse to our golden tent on Salt Tip Corner, that we’re reverting to how we used to run them this year, where one of our vets must spot and approach you.
“The awards have become an incredible tool for building relationships, as we always hoped they would over time, and we can’t wait to meet this year’s winners and their owners.”
The vet team, made up of vets who work for the partner charities and in private practice, will choose a Vet’s Champion from the winners, and social media users will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite to be awarded People’s Choice Champion on the Best at Appleby TikTok, Instagram and Facebook pages. Votes will close at 10pm on Saturday night and will be announced on Sunday.
The engagement team, based at the red NEWC tent on Salt Tip Corner, will be highlighting the importance of horses always having access to water and owners offering their horses water immediately after exercise.
A limited number of free re-usable water bottles with ‘My horse drank first’ written on them will be given away to those taking part in an interactive game, and the message will be promoted through posters and online.
Nicola said: “There is a hard-to-bust myth within the horse community that watering horses straight after exercise can lead to colic, but, as a vet, I can tell you that the risk of this is negligible compared to the risk of not watering a horse who needs it.
“Dehydration poses a huge danger to horses, and we have seen changes in other environments where horses are worked – for example in sport – as the science has moved on.
“The issue of dehydration is one of the biggest to arise at the Fair almost every year, particularly if the weather is warm, along with horses being worked too hard or too young.”
Watering troughs will be available at the ‘flashing lane’ and opposite Salt Tip Corner. There is also access to the river ramp on The Sands and at Jubilee Bridge. It is an owner’s responsibility to ensure that they can provide for their animals’ needs.
The operational team, led by the RSPCA, will be putting on extra evening patrols after reports that horses were being overworked at that time of day last year.
RSPCA chief inspector for Cumbria Rob Melloy oversees the operational team and said: “Overworking is a key focus for us this year after it proved to be an issue at last year’s Fair.
“We had a lot of reports from Fairgoers and the settled community that horses were being worked hard at night, so we’ll be putting on extra patrols in the evening.
“We’ll also be watching out for people using anything other than a whip meant for use on a horse, so tubing, or piping, or sticks. These are not appropriate for use on horses, and we will be intervening if this is seen.”
Rob added: “There are so many amazing horse people within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and we are looking to them to lead the way for those who are less knowledgeable or experienced and help keep the focus on the great examples of horse health, happiness and horsemanship at the Fair.”
Staff from the animal welfare charity partnership have been supporting the protection and wellbeing of horses at the Fair now for over 20 years, with most individuals working at the Fair year on year.
The RSPCA is sending 39 staff and volunteers to this year’s Fair; Redwings Horse Sanctuary is sending nine; Blue Cross is sending seven; World Horse Welfare is sending seven; Bransby Horses is sending five; The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is sending four; The British Horse Society is sending two; The Donkey Sanctuary is sending two. There will also be three vets from private practices attending, a farrier, a master saddler and harness maker.
There will be a vet station at Salt Tip Corner where assistance can be sought for any animal that needs it between 10am and 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Anyone who is worried about an animal should approach an RSPCA officer or police officer or call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.