Baroness Minette Batters Appointed Independent Chair Of The Horse Welfare Board

Baroness Minette Batters will become the new independent chair of the Horse Welfare Board (HWB), replacing Barry Johnson on July 1, 2025.

Formerly the president of the National Farmers Union from 2018-2024, Batters was appointed as a crossbench House of Lords peer in 2024. A director of Salisbury Racecourse, Batters also enjoyed a successful career as an amateur jockey with over 30 point-to-point wins to her name.

Batters said, “I'm absolutely delighted to be appointed as the new chair of the HWB. Horse welfare will always be fundamental to racing's success, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Barry Johnson for his leadership and expertise as the outgoing chair.”