The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has revealed that Dr Pat Harris has become the first honorary member of the Equine Nutritionist and Feed Adviser Register (ENFAR).
ENFAR was launched in December in an attempt to tackle the rise of ‘armchair experts’. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their qualifications or experience. This means some advice is of poor quality and has the potential to be detrimental to equine welfare and damage the credibility of those operating professionally.
ENFAR seeks to prevent that by containing a searchable directory of reputable feed advisers and equine nutritionists. It is designed to be a trusted place for horse owners to visit for advice on feeding.
Unanimous decision
For those who have made a significant contribution to equine nutrition and health, honorary membership is provided, and when the committee were considering who should be the first person with this accolade, Dr Pat Harris was the unanimous decision.
“Pat is a renowned nutritionist, having led the Waltham Petcare Science Institute’s Equine Studies Group, for many years,” said Claire Williams, executive director of BETA.
“She is a European Specialist in Veterinary Clinical and Comparative Nutrition, was a past president of the British Equine Veterinary Association, and is the only RCVS recognised specialist in equine veterinary clinical nutrition.
“For years, Pat has been at the forefront of equine nutrition. Her global reach includes being a past-president of both the Equine Science Society and the European Society for Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition as well as over 300 scientific publications – I’ve only mentioned a few of her accolades above, but her work has (and continues to) advance equine nutrition and, therefore, equine welfare in enormous ways.
“We’re delighted to have Pat as our first honorary ENFAR member and thank her for her support with the Register too. She is on the working group who developed the structure of the Register and has supported the principle from day one, which we are all very grateful for.”
“Extremely proud”
Dr Harris admitted she was “extremely proud” to have been chosen as BETA ENFAR’s first honorary member.
“Having spent more than 30 years working within the equine nutrition sector, including as science & nutrition director for Mars Horsecare, home of the Spillers brand, and head of the Equine Studies Group, it’s fair to say that the science behind horse nutrition has been, and continues to be, my passion as well as my job,” said Dr Harris.
“Equine nutrition is multifaceted and so important with a direct impact on performance, behaviour, health, and welfare.
“A consistent goal within my role at Mars Horsecare has been to enhance the health and welfare of horses and ENFAR is helping to do exactly that. By providing a Code of Best Practice, as well as requiring ongoing CPD, the scheme will help to raise and maintain standards.
“Ultimately the new BETA ENFAR register provides support for horse owners to help them obtain reliable nutrition advice for their horses.”
For more information about ENFAR click here.
Image © BETA.
