Jo White
 “Before
joining the ILPH almost five years ago, I worked in a number
of different sectors of the horse industry, managing stable
yards, instructing, and as a rider. Alongside this practical
element, I also have a Degree in Equine and Business
Management and I hold British Horse Society qualifications –
which are the accepted industry standard within the UK. I
have also worked within the equestrian media, as an editor
for specialist horse sports magazines, covering subjects
such as dressage, and show jumping. I was also involved in
developing learning material for horse related courses and
more recently I was a lecturer in equine studies at a
college within the UK.
“I started to work for the ILPH in 2001, when I first joined
the department was very much focused on the campaign to stop
long-distance transport of live horses to slaughter into and
across Europe. In time, we widened our work and we’re now
involved in improving horse welfare conditions, as well as
legislation and enforcement within the UK and across Europe.
“So, why did we come to Romania? At first we were
investigating methods of improving upon the transport
conditions of live horses sent to slaughter from Romania to
Southern Europe. As a result of those first visits, we have
undertaken work in the field, observing general conditions
and talking to the Romanian people about their horse welfare
concerns. We encountered problems relating to foot care
which were leading to many cases of lameness, issues of
infectious disease, and a skills and knowledge gap in the
area of horse management.
“I believe that the ILPH has the expertise to work hand in
hand with the Romanian people to address the horse welfare
concerns currently facing Romanian. Project Romania has four
areas of focus; to improve veterinary skills and knowledge,
providing training to people within the farming communities
across Romania in the areas of saddlery, farriery and
management; undertaking a general public awareness campaign
within the country to raise the profile of horse welfare;
and last but definitely not least working with Romanian
Authorities to assist in developing an effective framework
of legislation and enforcement to protect the welfare of the
horse.
“This is a complex project and one that requires partnership
and collaboration. We have received a lot of support in
Romania from the Ministries of the EU Integration,
Agriculture, and Education, as well as the National Sanitary
Veterinary Authority. We are also engaged in a dialogue with
the Delegation of the European Commission in Romania and the
European Commission in Brussels. We’ve have a lot of support
in UK, from the Veterinary Faculties, as well as our
Government Department for the Environment Food and Rural
Affairs in Britain, who are supporting the project. The
level of enthusiasm and interest for Project Romania is
fantastic and I think that our work here will leave
sustainable and tangible results.
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