World Horse Welfare Conference

World Horse Welfare is hosting its annual conference on Thursday 17 November 2011 at the Royal Geographical Society in London. This year’s theme is ‘Olympics 2012: What legacy for horse welfare?’ and the event is kindly sponsored by Betfair, the world’s largest betting exchange.

 

As preparations are underway in Greenwich and the furore over the use of the whip in racing has hit the headlines recently, the welfare of horses in sport is under the spotlight like never before. At our conference a number of key speakers will cover some of the burning issues in sport horse welfare, including: -

 

• The importance of welfare in sport - World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers

• The Olympic Legacy - Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson MP

• Duty of care to horses in sport - renowned racing journalist and broadcaster Alastair Down

• Overbreeding in the equine industry - prominent equine reproduction specialist Dr Jonathan Pycock

 

A panel of well-known faces from the world of equine sport will answer questions from the floor during a Question Time-style Forum. The session will be chaired by Andrew Parker-Bowles with other panel members such as: -

 

• World Horse Welfare’s President Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

• Three-time Olympic medallist and World Horse Welfare Trustee Pippa Funnell MBE

• Distinguished race horse trainer Sir Mark Prescott

 

As advisors to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), we know that the challenge of ensuring horse welfare is now greater than ever: standards and expectations are rising each year.  This conference hopes to help set the horse welfare agenda in sport in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

 

In addition to the presentations, we will be showcasing our work through a ‘Charity in Action’ session where guests will be able to talk in-depth to staff about what we do in the UK and overseas at a variety of trade stands including: - UK Welfare, International, Campaigns, Fundraising and Grants and Bursaries.

 

As in previous years, HRH The Princess Royal will give the closing address at the conference.