Paul Jepson Wins Blue Cross Award
Photo courtesy of Harry Hubbard
The British Equine Veterinary Association Welfare Award 2011, sponsored by the Blue Cross, 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 was presented to Brigadier Jepson at the 50th Annual Congress in Liverpool on Friday 9th September 2011, by Zair Berry, Chairman of The Blue Cross.
BEVA introduced the award eleven years ago, in conjunction with the leading animal welfare charity, as a formal recognition of significant contributions made by veterinary surgeons and others to equine welfare.
Brigadier Jepson was Chief Executive of the Home of Rest for Horses (now the Horse Trust), from 1997 to 2010, where he was a hands-on equine vet as well as the guardian of the Trust’s programme to fund cutting-edge scientific research. He is the current chairman of a government and equine industry working party on African Horse Sickness that is seeking to ensure the UK is as prepared as possible to control an outbreak of the virus, which would cause similar devastation in the UK’s equine population as Foot and Mouth caused for other livestock. Paul 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.
On receiving the award, Jepson described himself as "thrilled." He added: "To have my name added to the prestigious list of former recipients is a great honour."
Zair Berry praised the Brigadier, saying: "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."
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