Tributes paid to Sir Peter O’Sullevan

World Horse Welfare is paying tribute to the “legendary voice of Horse racing” and their Vice President Sir Peter O’Sullevan after he passed away on Wednesday (29 July).

Tributes

“His presence will be missed greatly, but his impact is indelible and World Horse Welfare will continue to build upon his legacy as the greatest champion of the horse in living memory”, said World Horse Welfare Chairman Barry Johnson.

“Sir Peter was the inspiration behind the launch of our international programmes thirty years ago, which have helped hundreds of thousands of working horses in developing countries around the world,” said Roly Owers, the Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare.

Legacy

Sir Peter, an accomplished broadcaster and journalist, long known as the “voice of horseracing” had had a long relationship with World Horse Welfare and has left behind an extraordinary legacy of improved welfare for millions of horses worldwide.

He was motivated to help improve the welfare of horses worldwide after a trip to Morocco in 1985 where the poor condition of the horses on the tourist beaches shocked him, which sparked a global campaign to help impoverished communities who rely on horses to make their living learn more about horse care advice, training, discounted or free veterinary care and basic farrier and saddlery skills.

He also to helped protect vulnerable horses and ponies in the UK and Europe, campaigning tirelessly to stop the long journey’s horses endured across Europe for slaughter, which resulted in a written declaration by MEP’s in 2010 calling for an end to the suffering, believing horses should be transported “on the hook, not off the hoof.”

He was instrumental in improving the standards of horse welfare in racing, including lending his support for reducing the number of times a whip could be used during a race.

Charitable Trust

Sir Peter’s vocal support was priceless, but he also used his influence within the equine communities to establish The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust eighteen years ago which has raised over four millions pounds for six equine charities, one of which is World Horse Welfare.

Our deepest condolences go the Sir Peter’s family during this time.