Jim Green, pioneer of equine emergency rescue methodology and training, received the Sir Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum (NEF), in Great Britain, on March 2.

He received this commendation in recognition of his work to improve equine rescue skills in the UK. He was selected from a shortlist of three nominated candidates, the other two being side-saddle authority Maureen James and equine veterinary nurse Bonny Millar.

Professor Josh Slater, BVM&S, PhD, Dipl. ECEIM, received the award on Green’s behalf as he currently is away on sabbatical in the United States. Slater, along with Green, is a co-director of the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA) and has been a veterinary lead in the equine rescue initiative in the U.K. from the start.

Green grew up in the New Forest and trained as a Forest Manager before joining Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1996. Since 2004 he has been responding to animal rescues in Hampshire and led the implementation of animal rescue methodology, training, and equipment that is now standard throughout the U.K. Fire and Rescue Service. Green, together with Slater, helped set up Safer Horse Rescues, an equine rescue initiative, launched by the British Equine Veterinary Association and the U.K. equine industry in 2007, in close partnership with the animal rescue specialists at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Green has been the keynote speaker at conferences in the U.K., United States, Turkey, and Australia, and was rescue advisor to the Veterinary Services Team at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He co-founded BARTA, which he continues to manage in a voluntary capacity. Currently Green is in the United States for 12 months developing animal rescue and disaster response capabilities at the University of California, Davis, Center for Equine Health.

“It is a real honor to receive the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2017,” Green said. “Little did I know when joining the fire service that my path would lead me in this direction. I am excited for the future as together we can develop these pioneering activities to promote safer rescues, improve welfare and protect livelihoods.”

HRH The Princess Royal, president of the National Equine Forum, presented the award, along with framed certificates to runners-up James and Millar.

The award was established in 2013 in recognition of the late Sir Colin Spedding’s services to the equine sector, especially for his commitment in founding the National Equine Forum and then chairing the forum for 19 years. Previous recipients include Sue Martin BHSII, who runs Trent Park Equestrian Centre (2016); Paul Greeves, former executive director and keeper of the General Stud Book at Weatherbys (2015); Andrew Waller, BSc, PhD, on behalf of the Animal Health Trust Infectious Diseases Group (2014); and Martin Clunes, on behalf of UK Equine Welfare Charities (2013). Green will deliver the memorial lecture at the National Equine Forum 2018.