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