Carolyn joined NEWC as a director in 2019 and has a wealth of expertise in animal health and welfare legislation - providing legislative training and advice to organisations such as the Emergency Services, Local Authorities, vets and other equine charities as well as engaging with Government departments on legislative changes and recommendations. Carolyn strongly believes that equine welfare can be improved through collaboration, practical, enforceable legislation and education. Taking on the role of NEWC Chair is testament to Carolyn’s commitment to promoting the voice of its members and increasing the reach of NEWC to secure its sustainability for the future.
New Vice-Chair, Ruth Court, is the Horse Welfare Manager at Blue Cross and manages the team responsible for supporting equines the charity has out on loan. Ruth joined NEWC as a director in 2017 and leads the successful Rehoming Group Network comprised of representatives from NEWC member charities that are involved in rehoming activities. Ruth is passionate about improving equine welfare and believes strongly in the value of NEWC’s role in the promotion of working in partnership with other charities; sharing resources, knowledge and experience to improve equine welfare with a united voice.
Carolyn replaces equine vet, Nic De Brauwere MRCVS, Head of Welfare and Behaviour at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, who joined NEWC as a director in 2004 before he was appointed Chair in 2009. Announcing the change in senior leadership at the 2022 AGM Nic thanked former Vice-Chair, Claire Gordon, for her outstanding contribution to NEWC and congratulated both Carolyn and Ruth on their new appointments.
NEWC President, Dr David Marlin, also acknowledged Nic and Claire’s “tremendous amount of hard work put into leading NEWC to the position it is in today”.
Carolyn further acknowledged Nic’s “huge experience and commitment to improving and pushing forward equine welfare which has been inspirational and I am grateful that he and Claire will remain active members on the Board and are able to support me in helping to deliver NEWC’s strategy going forward. NEWC has grown in terms of its strength, reputation and membership during my time on the Board and we have a really strong Board of Directors going forward. Ruth and I will do our best to step up into our new roles”.