Chairman of Wycombe District Council Welcomes New CEO to The Horse Trust

Today, Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown, Chairman of Wycombe District Council visited The Horse Trust to welcome its new Chief Executive Miss Jeanette Allen.  After 13 years Brigadier Paul Jepson has retired as CEO of The Horse Trust and is passing the role onto Miss Allen.

During his visit Cllr Bendyshe-Brown met recently rescued and abandoned Shetland pony, Piglet.  Named Piglet due to his voracious appetite since arriving at The Horse Trust 10 days ago, Piglet was found on a busy roadside by the police in Chalfont St Peter and brought to The Horse Trust’s sanctuary in Speen, Buckinghamshire when an owner could not be traced.

Learning more about the work of the charity and its investment into scientific research to advance the understanding of the many diseases and conditions that afflict horses, Cllr Bendyshe-Brown was introduced to black gelding, Duke.  Duke was one of the 14 horses rescued from Spindles Farm in January 2008 and brought to The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses to recover. This incident made national news headlines because of the scale and depth of animal abuse uncovered there. Recently, Duke developed tumours on his eyelid that required immediate treatment.

The tumours are called sarcoids, are similar to skin cancers and are a common problem in horses causing extreme irritation and painful swellings. Duke received iridium wire treatment at the University of Liverpool’s Equine Hospital and is now recuperating at the charity’s stables.

Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown, Chairman of WDC  said, “This is a wonderful charity set in the heart of Buckinghamshire. Spending more than £1.5m per annum on equine charitable activities and employing 20 people this charity is often at the forefront of the regional news when horses are being rescued from abused or distressed backgrounds. Duke is a fitting example of the care and commitment the charity gives to all of its residents lucky enough to live at this local horse sanctuary.”

Miss Jeanette Allen, CEO of The Horse Trust added, “I would like to thank Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown for officially welcoming me to the Wycombe District.  His support for our work will strengthen our relationships within the local community and business sector and help to spread the word of the invaluable work the charity commits to horse health and refuge.”