(left to right) BEVA Trust secretariat Fiona Cunnington, BHS president Martin Clunes and BEVA Trust chair Julian Samuelson.

The British Horse Society (BHS) has presented an equine welfare award to the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), recognising the work of volunteer veterinary surgeons and nurses.

BEVA Trust, the organisation’s volunteering arm, provides opportunities, support and funding to allow members of the veterinary profession to volunteer for projects to improve equine welfare, both locally and globally.

Volunteers supporting the BHS health care campaign have so far castrated 342 horses in the past two years. A total of 729 horses have attended the health care clinic.

“With the BEVA Trust’s unwavering help and support we have significantly improved the lives of hundreds of horses,” said Gemma Stanford, director of welfare at BHS.

BHS president Martin Clunes presented the award to Julian Samuelson, chair of the BEVA Trust, and secretariat Fiona Cunnington, during the society’s annual awards ceremony in London.

Mr Samuelson commented: “Since the start of the project our vets and vet nurses have volunteered their time and worked tirelessly at 16 clinics around the country.

“They have helped to microchip, passport, vaccine and castrate horses recognised by welfare officers as needing help. I am extremely proud to accept this award on their behalf.”

Image courtesy of BEVA Trust