New UK equestrian industry appointments

Horslyx has chosen 6 ambassadors from various disciplines, as part of a new scheme supporting riders that are committed to their sport. Nicki Strong, Bonnie Fishburn, Kim Chapman, Cara Shardlow, Katherine Cooksley and Jane Steeples are the 6 riders that have been chosen.

“This is the first time we have run anything like this and we were thrilled with the response,” said Horslyx product and sales manager Gillian Neill.

“All 6 riders demonstrated a fantastic understanding of Horslyx and I am fully confident that they will all be the perfect representatives when out and about. We can’t wait to work with them over the next year.”

Nicola Wilson has become an ambassador for Saddle Up, the rider campaign for Spinal Research. The charity is running a prize of getting the chance to meet Nicola and to follow her around at a competition.

“I was very honoured when Spinal Research approached me to be one of its charity ambassadors for Saddle Up and I had no hesitation in accepting, as I firmly believe the work that this awe inspiring charity does, will one day positively alter the lives of so many people who have suffered life changing spinal injuries and therefore couldn’t be more delighted to support this fundraising initiative,” said Nicola.

Pam Bushell and Andrew Harris will join Sarah Pidgley to complete the trio of British Dressage (BD) pony selectors, with Dr Robert Oulton becoming the new team vet. Andrea Smith is a new selector on the BD junior and young rider team, with Cara Hayward and Leanne Wall taking on the Chef d’Equipe duties under the guidance of Anne Keen. David Rowlands of Penbode Equine Vets in Devon has been appointed team vet.

“BD is extremely grateful to all our volunteers and those who stepped down from the youth committees at the end of 2013 contributed a great deal to our continued successes. These are exciting times for our young riders on the European stage and we now have a complete support network in place to help them achieve their dreams and goals,” said Amanda Bond, BD chief executive.

Jo Welsby has joined the Veterinary Thermal Imaging’s (VTI) team of thermographers. She’s a biomedical scientist and will be covering Hampshire. VTI uses infra red cameras to map heat patterns across an animal’s body, showing hot spots and cold spots.

“I’ve always dreamed of working with animals,” said Jo. “The opportunity to combine working with animals with such remarkable technology is absolutely fantastic and I’m really looking forward to getting started.”