The Blue Cross appoints new director of equine welfare

Robert Webb-Bowen has been appointed director of equine welfare at The Blue Cross as the animal welfare charity prepares to unveil the results of its new strategic review.

Mr Webb-Bowen joins the charity following retirement from a distinguished Army career, which included service in Northern Ireland, United Nations peacekeeping duties in Cyprus and Bosnia and more recently postings to the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall.

During his Army service he was responsible for managing a variety of regimental stables and garrison saddle clubs. He has a keen interest in racing and has owned, trained and ridden a number of horses both in point-to-points and under National Hunt rules. He holds a Category B Amateur Rider’s Permit, rides out regularly and is looking forward in particular to the 2003 hunter ‘chase season.

As one of Britain’s oldest animal welfare charities, The Blue Cross has been providing expert care and veterinary treatment for horses and ponies for more than a century. Today the charity rehabilitates and re-homes horses and ponies that have been neglected, ill-treated or are unwanted and provides them with a fulfilled future in a new home.

Mr Webb-Bowen said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed to manage the vital equine welfare services provided by one of Britain’s oldest and most well respected charities. As our strategic review is unveiled in the weeks ahead, I will have the exciting challenge of developing the excellent equine welfare rehabilitation and training work for which we are renowned across the UK equestrian spectrum.”

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing information, advice and practical support for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

www.bluecross.org.uk

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