The Executive Board of the Holsteiner Verband has recently created a new post, to be filled by a very familiar face. The role of Animal Welfare Officer is to be taken on by the former breeding manager, Dr Thomas Nissen.
The issue of animal welfare is becoming increasingly important, and awareness of this vital topic is growing steadily. “The Holsteiner Verband has also recognised this,” explains Chairman Hinrich Romeike, adding: “We need to engage even more closely with this issue.” For this reason, the position of Animal Welfare Officer was enshrined in the Articles of Association at the most recent Delegates’ Assembly, and Dr Thomas Nissen – who has decades of experience in horse breeding, sport and husbandry – has now been appointed to the role. Working closely with the new breeding director, Stephan Haarhoff, the managing directors, Roland Metz and Norbert Boley, as well as the honorary board and the district licensing chairmen, Dr Thomas Nissen intends to offer advice and support in future. “I envisage discussing upcoming issues with both the full-time and voluntary staff and providing active support where necessary,” explains the newly appointed Animal Welfare Officer. “The welfare of our horses is a very important area which, alongside our successes in breeding and sport, must be given the utmost attention,” Dr Nissen continues.