Animalweb is delighted to congratulate Dr Veronica Fowler, our resident breeding and weaning expert, on receiving the British Horse Society (BHS) Welfare Award 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to equine welfare.
The award, presented by Richard Waygood MBE of British Equestrian, recognises Veronica’s dedication to improving the welfare of foals through her campaign to raise awareness of the stress associated with traditional weaning practices.
Veronica has been a passionate advocate for foal-led, fence weaning, an alternative approach that aims to reduce the stress experienced by mares and foals during the weaning process.
Speaking about receiving the award, Veronica said: “Honoured and humbled to have been awarded the British Horse Society Welfare Award 2026 for excellent service by a professional person in the cause of equine welfare.”
She also thanked everyone who supported her nomination, adding: “This is all for those beautiful innocent foals that deserve better from the humans they are entrusted to.”
Rethinking Traditional Weaning Practices
Traditional weaning methods can involve abruptly separating mares and foals, potentially causing significant stress to both animals. Through her research, education and welfare campaigning, Veronica is encouraging breeders and horse owners to reconsider established practices and explore more gradual, welfare-focused alternatives.
Her work highlights the importance of understanding the behavioural and emotional needs of young horses, and how decisions made during their earliest months can influence their welfare.
Listen to Veronica on the Animalweb Podcast
The award comes at a particularly fitting time, following the release of our latest Animalweb Podcast, Before You Breed: Responsible Breeding and Rethinking Weaning.
In this episode, Animalweb’s Izzy Taylor speaks with Veronica about responsible breeding, the welfare implications of traditional weaning and why it may be time to rethink how we manage this important stage of a young horse’s life. The conversation explores the practical and ethical considerations of breeding a foal, alongside Veronica’s experience of promoting foal-led weaning.
For anyone considering breeding, currently caring for a mare and foal, or simply interested in improving equine welfare, this is an important conversation worth listening to.
Listen to the Animalweb Podcast – Before You Breed: Responsible Breeding and Rethinking Weaning
Animalweb has also previously explored responsible breeding and weaning through its educational webinars and articles, providing further opportunities for owners and breeders to learn about welfare-focused approaches.
We are incredibly pleased to see Veronica’s dedication and hard work recognised by the British Horse Society and look forward to continuing to share her expertise with the Animalweb community.
Congratulations, Veronica, on this thoroughly deserved achievement!
