NFU awarded for horse transport safety campaign

Rural insurers NFU Mutual received an award for its horse transport safety campaign at the British Horse Society’s (BHS) annual award ceremony at Saddler’s Hall in London last month (7 November).

The insurers received the Tarquin Trophy for its “Come back a winner” campaign launched in 2011, following an increase in the number of accidents involving equestrian transport.

“The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to pay as much attention to the safety and maintenance of their horseboxes and trailers as they do towards the health and wellbeing of their animals,” said Nicki Whittaker, equine specialist at NFU Mutual.

Over the past three years the campaign, run with the BHS and PRP Rescue Services, has delivered seminars to equine student and BHS members across the UK.

Horsebox and trailer weighing exercises have also been run at several equine events.

“Through this collaboration we have made a significant difference,” said Nicki Whittaker.

A record number of long service awards were also presented at to BHS volunteers who have dedicated years to improving the lives of the UK’s horses and riders.

Helen Manns from Abergavenny received a standing ovation when she went up to collect her award for 60 years’ of service.

“I was so grateful for the time people gave to help me when I was a youngster that I wanted to give something back. There is something very special about volunteering. When something is a labour of love, you truly put your heart into it and the returns are immeasurable,” she said.

Added together the service given by all the volunteers at the ceremony totalled 645 years.

Presenting the awards BHS president Martin Clunes said: “This is what I love about the BHS – the fact that people who are passionate about horses are not just talking about what needs to be done, but getting out there and doing it.”