13/09/2011Posted : September 13, 2011
Brigadier 'thrilled' at welfare award win

The BEVA Welfare Award 2011 has been presented to Brigadier Paul Jepson in recognition of his contributions to equine welfare, not only as a vet and previous chief executive of the Horse Trust but also as the driving force behind strategic plans for disease management and control in the UK.

The award, sponsored by The Blue Cross, was introduced by BEVA in conjunction with the animal welfare charity 11 years ago, and is a formal recognition of significant contributions made by veterinary surgeons and others to equine welfare.

The award was presented to Brigadier Jepson by Blue Cross chairman Zair Berry during BEVA Congress in Liverpool on September 9, 2011.

Mr Berry said: "The time, effort and expertise that Brigadier Jepson has dedicated to the equine industry and horse welfare is truly admirable and makes him a very worthy recipient of this award. I have great pleasure in presenting it and offer many congratulations."

Brigadier Jepson was chief executive of the Home of Rest for Horses (now the Horse Trust) from 1997 to 2010, where he was both hands-on equine vet as well as guardian of the trust's programme of funding cutting edge scientific research.

He currently chairs a government and equine industry working party on African Horse Sickness, seeking to ensure UK preparedness for an outbreak of the virus. He is also chairman of the committee responsible for delivery of the GB Equine Health and Welfare Strategy and a past Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.

Of receiving the award, he said: "I am thrilled to receive this award from The Blue Cross in recognition of my contributions to the health and welfare of horses. To have my name added to the prestigious list of former recipients is a great honour."