BHA Targets Horse Welfare Upgrades From New Chair
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has posted a job advertisement for its new chair of the Horse Welfare Board, with a replacement for Barry Johnson required at the body.
Horse racing welfare is a high priority for the new BHA chair. © frolicsomepl, Pixabay
Key Facts:
- Job start date is set for June, with applicants now being sought
- BHA also wants three members to join its Horse Welfare Board
- Sport’s A Life Well Lived strategy has been hailed as a success
- Independently chaired Horse Welfare Board was set up in 2019
Johnson has been in charge through the five-year implementation of the sport’s A Life Well Lived strategy, which has been deemed a success.
But there remains a way to go on horse welfare, with the BHA looking to take the next steps.
The body wants to appoint a replacement for Johnson and bring three new independent members to the Horse Welfare Board set up in 2019.
It is hoped that the new chair and board members could be in place for June, with the BHA requiring a new strategy as A Life Well Lived ends this year.
Continuous Improvement
Brant Dunshea, the BHA acting chief executive, said in a statement that the welfare of horses is “at the heart of everything we do in British racing”.
He said: “Over the last five years, the sport’s A Life Well Lived strategy has helped drive forward continuous improvements across safety, traceability, data, and aftercare.”
“Later this year we will deliver the next iteration of our equine welfare strategy, which will continue to be overseen by an independently chaired board.”
Dunshea explained the importance of the Horse Welfare Board to this crucial ongoing work.
He said: “These key appointments to the Horse Welfare Board will ensure that we continue to evolve, drive best practices, and maintain the trust of the public and our stakeholders. We are seeking experienced and passionate individuals who can make a meaningful impact on the future of horse welfare.”
The BHA recently released its full-year report for 2024, which showed a drop in betting on the sport, although changes to the fixture list and race programme boosted race competitiveness last year.
Significant Progress
Johnson, the outgoing chair of the Horse Welfare Board, said it was a “privilege” to lead the body across the full five years of the sport’s A Life Well Lived strategy.
He noted this has been a period where horse racing in Britain has “seen significant progress in activity to enhance equine welfare”.
Johnson added: “However, there is always more to be done, and strong leadership is vital to ensure continuous improvement.”
“This recruitment process presents an exciting opportunity for new voices to shape the future of welfare in our industry. I encourage individuals who are passionate about horse welfare to apply and contribute to this important work.”
The BHA has also launched its own podcast, with The BHA Podcast being hosted by broadcaster Nick Lightfoot, who has been given total editorial independence.
