We are delighted to announce the winners of the National Equine Welfare Council's Strategic Goal Recognition Awards 2026.
Presented at our Annual General Meeting on 17th September, the awards celebrate outstanding achievements by individuals, organisations and teams who are making a real difference to the lives of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules across the UK.
These awards are an important opportunity to recognise excellence, share good practice and showcase the collective impact of our sector. Every nomination demonstrated a commitment to putting equine welfare first and reflected the dedication and innovation taking place throughout our network and the wider sector.
This year, our non-executive directors judged the nominations against four key criteria:
The quality of nominations was exceptional, making judging a challenging task.
🏆 Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) Future Schools Welfare Project
A pioneering initiative that is helping embed welfare-centred practices within riding schools through education, collaboration and youth engagement.
🏆 Rachel Andrews, World Horse Welfare
Recognised for her exceptional commitment to partnership working and equine welfare across North Wales.
🏆 Jenna Goldby and Rachael Blackler, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary
Celebrated for leading the External Veterinary Project and strengthening welfare-focused collaboration with veterinary practices.
🏆 Anna Gregory, Nottingham Trent University
Honoured for almost 35 years of leadership, innovation and dedication to improving equine welfare in education.
🏆 Jen Wathan, Sophie Hill and Jackie Hickman, Brooke
Recognised for advancing international collaboration and knowledge sharing through compassionate handling and harnessing initiatives.
We would also like to congratulate everyone who was highly commended. The standard of nominations was exceptionally high, and each recognised individual, team and organisation demonstrated a strong commitment to improving equine welfare.
Training and Learning Team, led by Leah Brock, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary
Recognised for their effective management of an equine influenza case, including quarantine and biosecurity measures, clear public communication and their work to promote vaccination, disease prevention and responsible horse care.
BEF Qualification Development Group
British Dressage, British Showjumping, The Pony Club, Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) and others.
Recognised for their collaborative work to redevelop equestrian coaching qualifications and embed equine welfare throughout the coaching journey.
Welfare Partnership Core Team
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, RSPCA, Redwings, Blue Cross and The Donkey Sanctuary
Recognised for their exceptional collaboration during the 15-month rescue and rehabilitation of 70 Icelandic horses, bringing together expertise, resources and specialist facilities from across the sector.
Cathy Hyde, British Horse Society
Recognised for her work supporting welfare across the showing world through partnerships, welfare stewards, education and the promotion of responsible ownership.
Welfare and Rehoming Team, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary
Recognised for using real welfare cases, evidence and storytelling to raise awareness of issues affecting owners and equines, including the impact of cost-of-living pressures and limited grazing availability.
Ian Beamish, British Equine Veterinary Association
Recognised for his expertise and leadership in equine veterinary welfare, including work on the updated Equine Euthanasia Guidelines and Equine Fracture Stabilisation App.
Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) and Equicentric Futures Project
Recognised for applying equitation science and practical welfare science within riding schools, helping to translate principles such as the Five Domains Model into education and practice.
From welfare science and veterinary collaboration to multi-agency partnerships and educational reform, the projects and individuals recognised this year demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together with equine welfare at the heart of their decisions.
As NEWC, we remain committed to our mission:
To protect the welfare of the horse, pony, donkey and their hybrids and ensure that everyone who has an interest or association with them makes their health and welfare the overriding factor in all decision-making.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations, shared their achievements, and continues to support our vision that:
"Equines have improved welfare and a good life due to our members speaking with one voice."
Congratulations to all our winners and highly commended recipients, and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination.