Our trustees

Trustees are elected by the Council and serve a term of five years, which can then be extended by a maximum of two years. World Horse Welfare invites nominations from its other trustees and its employees - the aim is for each trustee to bring a particular skill or interest to the Council, which will assist the running of the charity.

HRH Princess Royal - World Horse Welfare President

The Princess Royal has been a keen rider since childhood and her passion for horses has stayed with her as an adult. Having competed at a professional level, she won the individual European Three-Day Event at Burghley in 1971 and was voted the BBC’s Sports Personality in the same year. She is currently the President of the British Olympic Association, one of two UK members of the International Olympic Committee and a member of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games in 2012.

Barry Johnson - Chairman

Barry Johnson became Chairman in 2012. He has enjoyed a successful career as a vet, having set up his own practice in 1973. He also held the position of President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1993 and has been the chairman of various veterinary bodies. He joined the World Horse Welfare Council in July 2007.

Amanda Tickel - Honorary Treasurer

Amanda became a Council member in 2007.  Amanda completed an honours degree in Law and is Chartered Accountant with the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales).  In her spare time, Amanda enjoys riding and skiing.

Jane Holderness-Roddam

As the owner of her own stud, Jane takes a keen interest in the welfare of horses. Earlier in her career Jane was a successful rider, having won an Olympic Three Day Event Team gold medal in Mexico and has taken part in other international events. She is currently the Chairman of the British Equestrian Federation's (FED) Managing Council and has written several equestrian books.

John Bourne

John, a qualified vet, joined the Council in 2007 and has a strong background in animal welfare; he has worked for a number of government departments, was the Head of the Animal Welfare Division at Defra and the Principal Private Secretary to David Miliband while he held the office of Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Rebecca Shelley

Joining the Council in 2007, Rebecca brought her experience working in investor relations and group communications with a number of large organisations. She is also a member of a number of professional bodies, including the Institute of Public Relations and the Association of MBAs. In her spare time, she enjoys riding, scuba diving and going to the theatre.

Susan Pimbley

Susan is a British Eventing Accredited Trainer, a BHS Chief Examiner and a freelance instructor and trainer. Between 1990 and 2003 she was the Head of Equine Studies at Myerscough College and Head of Equine Studios at Penrith College between 2003 and 2004. She also takes part in dressage events and continues to ride.

Pippa Funnell

Pippa Funnell became a World Horse Welfare trustee in April 2008. She is a very successful international event rider and has won a number of titles, including several Olympic medals and was the first rider to win the Rolex Grandslam in 2003. In the same year she was named Sunday Times Sports Personality of the Year.

Charles Aldous QC

Charles Aldous became a member of the World Horse Welfare Council in 2008, after retiring from a successful career as a barrister in 2007. He also took on the role of Chairman of the Colne Stour Countryside Association in 2008, which aims to preserve the local countryside. He has owned and ridden horses his whole life.

Simon Brooks-Ward

Simon is currently the Managing Director of HorsePower International which organises events including London Olympia and Royal Windsor horse shows. Simon lives in Somerset, is a Colonel in the Territorial Army and is currently in charge of TA operational training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In his spare time he has a keen interest in sailing, skiing and hunting.

Lord Geoffrey Dear

Lord Dear is an active member in the House of Lords (Crossbencher), spent his career working as a Police Officer for a number of constabularies including the Metropolitan Police and West Midlands between 1956 and 1990. He spent his last seven years of his police career as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and lives in Worcestershire.

Sally Godley-Maynard

Sally is a Solicitor who is currently Head of Global Equities at HSBC. She recently stepped down as an elected Trustee of the HSBC Bank Pension Trust. Sally lives in Wiltshire and her interests in her spare time include riding and farming.

Michael Baines

Michael is the Chairman of Church House Investment Management, having spent most of his career at the asset manager and merchant bank Robert Fleming. His interests include riding and skiing and he lives in Wiltshire.

Carol Mitchell

Carol became a World Horse Welfare trustee in 2012. She has experience as a board member and chairman of numerous charities, including: the Queen Mother Memorial Fund, NADFAS, the High Sheriff Wiltshire Community Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland and the British Red Cross. Carol has extensive experience in the field of Interior Design. She has bred National Hunt racehorses for 30 years and has been a Steward of the Jockey Club and British Horseracing Association since 1988. Her interests include fishing, hunting, gardening and painting.