World Horse Welfare provides rescue and rehabilitation for at-risk horses in the UK and low and middle-income countries.

The donation will support vital research into equine welfare.

The RCVS has donated £4,000 to World Horse Welfare to help the charity with its goals to support the horse-human relationship.

The College’s annual charity donation is made in lieu of sending Christmas cards to members of the professions. This year, the charity was selected by RCVS president Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS.

Tim said: “World Horse Welfare is a national and international charity that fundamentally seeks to ensure that every horse is treated with respect, compassion and understanding. Its work stretches from ‘working equids’ around the world, to playing a part in ensuring the welfare of horses involved in high-level equestrian sport racing is maximised.

“Having sat on the Veterinary Advisory Council for many years up until 2024, I have witnessed the impact of its work for both the horse and the communities in which it works and am very happy that the RCVS can make this Christmas donation for 2025.”

World Horse Welfare provides rescue and rehabilitation for at risk horses in the UK and low and middle-income countries. It also supports research to understand the causes of equine welfare challenges, using evidence to inform its work.

World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers said: “We’re profoundly grateful to the RCVS for this hugely generous gesture. As an evidence-led charity, research is a key part of our work, helping us understand the root causes of the challenges horses face.

“This donation will be enormously helpful in supporting vital research next year, including a review of the implications of headgear on equine welfare and a project examining how we can better understand the horse’s experience during transport.”

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