my equine career My equine career in the spotlight... Rachel Andrews
Field Officer for World Horse Welfare
Q1: What exactly is your job?
I am a Field Officer for World Horse Welfare
Q2: How would you describe what you do on a day to day basis?
That’s a tricky one as one of the best things about my job is that no two days are the same. I am regularly asked to respond to concerns reported by members of the public to our Welfare Line (08000 480180). This could mean investigating and dealing with neglect and welfare concerns or advising owners on ways of improving the conditions their horse is kept in. I also assist other organisations with equine welfare issues. Part of my role is to visit the horses that have been rehomed from our Recue and Rehoming Centres to make sure everything is going well and to support the rehomer if they need it. I also
Time out at a fancy dress competition
check on new homes for our rehabilitated horses - when people apply for a horse through our online rehoming scheme the Field Officers and Rehoming Offices make a check as part of the application process to make sure the home meets the needs of that particular horse. Like most people I have to keep on top of emails and paperwork from my office each day.
Q3: What is your role and what are your responsibilities?
My main role is to deal with and resolve any equine welfare concerns and queries that are reported to the UK Welfare Department. This involves offering support and assistance to owners, educating them on equine care, getting horses and ponies deemed to be suffering or who are very vulnerable signed over and taken to one of our centres, or as a last resort assisting
Rachel Andrews spends time getting to know a rescued pony. Image courtesy of World Horse Welfare
organisations such as the RSPCA, Police or Animal Health with severe welfare cases that progress through the courts.
Q4: What qualifications and experience do you need?
Field Officers need to have a thorough knowledge of equine welfare and the laws relating to it. It is also vital to have strong communication skills as on a daily basis we deal with a wide variety of people and situations, so it’s important to think on your feet and be able to respond to all kinds of scenarios to get the best possible outcome for the horse. Many of the Field Officers come from a background with organisations
such as the Police, RSPCA or Trading Standards Animal Health. Above all, a passion for and knowledge of horses and their welfare is vital, and a determination to help the horses and ponies we deal with in the best way we can.
Q5: What training have you undertaken?
I have undertaken BHS exams and we undertake ongoing Field Officer Training within the role.
Q6: How did you decide on this particular career?
I have always been passionate about everything equine and to be able to be involved
Equine Page 48
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