World Horse Welfare Chief Executive collects OBE at Buckingham Palace

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, has been honoured with an OBE at Buckingham Palace for services to equine welfare. The award was presented by HRH The Princess Royal, President of the charity, on May 1st.

This recognition comes at a significant time for World Horse Welfare, as it continues its mission to improve equine welfare globally by strengthening the horse-human relationship across various sectors, including horses in need, sport and leisure, and work and production.

Roly expressed his gratitude, saying, “Being given my award by our President, HRH The Princess Royal, surrounded by my family, and having the charity recognised in this way was immensely special. I am forever grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Roly’s OBE was announced in the King’s Birthday list in June 2023. As the charity approaches its centenary in 2027, it continues to make significant strides towards its founding aim of preventing the export of live British horses for slaughter.

Roly has been Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare since 2008. He is a qualified veterinary surgeon, with degrees from Cambridge University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His previous roles include work with the Blue Cross and Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Roly holds numerous positions in animal welfare organisations, both nationally and internationally, reflecting his extensive contributions to the field.