British Eventing (BE) is pleased to introduce the members of its newly formed Equine Welfare Committee, a dedicated volunteer group that will guide and champion the highest standards of horse welfare, safety, and ethical sport.
Meeting four times per year online, the committee brings together experts in veterinary medicine, equine science, welfare advocacy, and sport. The group will work collaboratively to develop evidence-based policies, assess risk, provide education, and ensure British Eventing continues to promote a culture of compassion and integrity.
About the Committee’s Role
The Equine Welfare Committee will:
- Identify and manage risks to equine welfare
- Develop evidence-based policies grounded in research and veterinary science
- Collaborate with vets, riders, trainers, and officials to uphold standards
- Promote welfare education and resources for the wider BE community
- Advise the BE Board on current and emerging issues in horse welfare
Committee Members
Rosie Williams (Chair)
As Chief Executive of British Eventing, Rosie Williams leads with a strong focus on strategic governance and safeguarding. With her guidance, this committee aims to embed equine welfare at the core of every decision and practice across the sport.
Ali Butler – Chief Veterinary Officer
Ali qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1996 and has spent her entire career in equine practice. She currently works at NEH Cotswolds and regularly officiates at national and international competitions as an FEI or treating vet. With experience as a rider, owner, and official, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her role as BE’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
Jonathan Clissold – National Safety Officer
Jonathan brings over 30 years of consulting experience in equestrian safety and serves as BE’s National Safety Officer and Technical Adviser. He is an FEI Technical Delegate and Course Designer, and a member of several national and international safety committees, including the BHS Equestrian Safety Group and the BSI Working Group for Helmets and Body Protectors.
Eliane Lovell – Rider Representative
Eliane (“Eli”) has 16 years’ experience as an equine vet in the UK and actively competes at BE Intermediate level. Her dual insight as both practitioner and competitor, along with charitable work abroad for BEVA, supports a deep, practical understanding of horse welfare in the sport.
Dr. Roberta Blake
An Associate Professor at Anglia Ruskin University – ARU Writtle, Roberta is an equine surgeon and academic specialising in biomechanics, sports medicine, and performance rehabilitation. Her two decades of experience underpin her evidence-led approach to equine welfare and research.
Aline Bouquet PhD
Aline is an equine welfare scientist at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) focusing on quality of life in horses with PPID. Her PhD explored early life influences on equine behaviour, and her global experience in welfare, nutrition, and behaviour research drives her mission to enhance welfare outcomes through science.
Abi Clarke
Abi holds a BSc in Equitation Science and is a registered veterinary nurse working in diagnostics. She has groomed for top-level show jumping and eventing riders and now manages the onsite labs at Badminton and Burghley. Abi combines practical expertise with a strong welfare ethos.
Janet Douglas
Janet is an equine vet and welfare advocate with broad experience across clinical work, communication, and regulation. Through her role with World Horse Welfare, she collaborates with scientists, regulators, and stakeholders to promote high welfare standards and public trust in equestrian sport.
Brad Hill
Brad is a vet and lecturer at Nottingham Vet School, formerly in first opinion practice. His passion lies in equine behaviour and positive handling, and he has pioneered the integration of equine learning theory into veterinary education. His current research includes the impact of weaning stress on emotional health in horses.
Lindsay McCallum
Lindsay is a BHSI and MSc graduate in Equine Science, with published research on equine behaviour as a welfare indicator. She has worked with the BHS, British Equestrian, and the RDA, and has evented up to 3* level. Her career combines academic rigour with practical horsemanship.
Catherine Williams
Catherine has worked extensively across the equine industry before moving into education, where she specialises in equine welfare. With a background in curriculum development and hands-on horse care, her focus is on embedding welfare knowledge and empathy into practical, evidence-based training and education.
Rosie Williams, Chair of the Committee, commented: “British Eventing is proud to lead the way in placing horse welfare at the heart of the sport. With such a high calibre of experience and commitment across this committee, we are well positioned to make meaningful, lasting improvements that protect horses today and in the future.”
