The work you don’t always see

We are delighted to welcome Malcolm Morley as our Director of UK following the retirement of Tony Tyler. Malcolm is an equine vet with over 30 years of experience in frontline equine care, working with a diverse range of horses and owners. He is a past-president of the British Veterinary Association and now leads our UK welfare operations, overseeing rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming while ensuring the highest standards of equine welfare.

In the UK, we help horses in many ways, from providing practical hands-on care at our four rescue and rehoming centres, through to expert support and advice for owners, and by influencing policy decisions.

If concerns are reported to us about a horse’s welfare, our UK support team works with owners to help improve welfare wherever possible. During the winter months we tend to see an uplift in welfare reports and this year is no different.

We caught up with Malcolm to find out more about his team’s work at one of their busiest times of the year.

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Since joining World Horse Welfare as Director of UK, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the incredible work that goes into protecting and improving the lives of horses across the country. What has struck me most isn’t just the passion and dedication of the team, but how much of what they do goes unseen. 

Equine welfare is rarely straightforward. Every case is different, with layers of complexity that require patience, expertise, and, above all, persistence. Our Field Officers work tirelessly, navigating difficult situations, offering guidance to owners, and making tough calls when necessary. They are out in all conditions, not just reacting to reports but actively working to prevent welfare issues before they escalate. 

However, the nature of our work means that we can’t always talk about everything we do. While social media can be a valuable tool for raising awareness, it sometimes creates a perception that action is only happening when a case gains online attention. The reality is that we are often working on cases for weeks or even months before they become public knowledge. But welfare isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating lasting change. 

Understandably, this can be frustrating for those who report concerns and don’t see an immediate outcome. We acknowledge every report, and while we may not always be able to provide updates, I want to assure you that every case is taken seriously. Investigations take time, and in many cases, working with owners to improve a horse’s welfare is the most effective option. Our responsibility is always to the horses, ensuring they get the right support in the right way, not just acting for visibility. 

There is no single solution to equine welfare challenges. Some cases require legal processes, others need long-term collaboration, and some involve difficult decisions about rehoming or intervention. What’s important is that every action we take is guided by what’s best for the horse, even if that work happens away from the public eye. 

As I continue to find my feet in my new role, I look forward to sharing more about the work we do and the impact it has. The dedication of our Field Officers and the wider team is extraordinary, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of this organisation. The work isn’t always visible, but every day, it makes a difference. 

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If you are worried about a horse’s welfare in Great Britain, you can report this to us online. 

Due to the volume of welfare reports being submitted currently, our UK support team is extremely busy and reports are being triaged by urgency. Please rest assured we are dealing with every report that comes through to us, but there may be a delay before you receive a response. If you are submitting a new report about a horse’s welfare, please add as much information as possible so we can get a clear picture of the situation to help us triage it accurately.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding.