New UK equestrian industry appointments
The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) has announced that Michael Caulfield has been appointed to its board of trustees. Michael is one of the UK’s leading sport psychologists and has worked in professional sport for 30 years.
“I am thrilled to become a trustee of the IJF, particularly as it celebrates its 50th anniversary,” said Mr Caulfield.
“As a near neighbour of Oaksey House [in Lambourn], I hope to continue to raise awareness of the IJF and continue the magnificent work of the trustees and the Fund’s many supporters”.
Sheikh Joaan has announced that Harry Herbert has been appointed as racing advisor to thoroughbred racehorse operation, Al Shaqab Racing.
A spokesman for Al Shaqab Racing said: “We are delighted that Harry has joined our team as racing advisor to Al Shaqab Racing with immediate effect and we are very much looking forward to working with him.”
Sue Shortt has stepped down as high performance coach for the Irish Pony Eventing team because she has been appointed team manager for the Yulong, Shanxi Province eventing team in China.
Horse Sport Ireland’s Damian McDonald said: “Sue did a fantastic job and brought huge success to Ireland. We wish her well with her new position in China.”
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Ascot racecourse has announced that Charles Barnett will retire as chief executive next year following the 2014 Royal Meeting and the appointment of a successor. Mr Barnett will stay on at Ascot in an advisory capacity.
Johnny Weatherby, Her Majesty’s Representative at Ascot, said: “The Board is tremendously grateful to Charles for everything he has achieved at Ascot. Having joined from Aintree in 2007, Charles has overseen the strengthening of the race programme, including the inauguration of British Champions Day. Under Charles, Ascot has become Europe’s undisputed flagship international racecourse with the Royal Meeting at its heart.”
Waterproof, windproof and breathable accessories specialist SealSkinz has announced Liz Dawson will be its new business development manager for its equestrian and countryside division in the northern area.
Ms Dawson said: “I have been wearing SealSkinz socks and gloves products for years whilst riding so to now be working for the business is great and I’m really looking forward to developing the equestrian sales and customers in the north of England”.
Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.