RCVS pays tribute to long-standing Riding Establishment Subcommittee member

The Riding Establishments Subcommittee (RESC) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), pay tribute following the death of Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher BVSc (Hons) MRCVS, a well-loved veterinary surgeon, RESC member, riding establishments inspector, and a true advocate for equine welfare.

Rebecca (pictured) qualified from Bristol University with honours in 1983. Her career has included being the resident veterinary surgeon of a large racehorse establishment near Dorchester, as well as the appointed senior veterinary surgeon of her own equine practice, which later merged with Endell Equine Hospital in Wiltshire, where Rebecca practised until her death.

Rebecca was a Joint Measurement Board (JMB) Associate, an RCVS listed riding establishments inspector, a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor, and she authored the book, ‘Veterinary Advice on Laminitis’ (Ringpress Books Ltd).

Rebecca joined the RESC in 2008 fast becoming an integral member, contributing extensive knowledge, friendly advice, and regularly contributing to training courses for new riding establishments inspectors and refreshers.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: “I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

“She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety.

“For me, Rebecca was warm, generous with her time and advice and her passion for improving the welfare of horses stood out. Rebecca was someone whose integrity and commitment shone through in all she did and my thoughts are with her family, friends, and colleagues.

“She was well-loved and respected by RCVS colleagues and staff who have described her as extremely hard working, influential, and a clear thinker and voice of reason. Rebecca was also described as one of life’s truly lovely people. We will all miss her.

“Our thoughts are with her husband, Jan, her family, colleagues, and friends, of which, we trust she had many.”