Photo of Nicola Jarvis with a chestnut pony.

08 May 2025

Redwings’ Head of Veterinary Care wins prestigious award for inspiration

Redwings’ Dr Nicola Jarvis, our Head of Veterinary Care, has been awarded a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Inspiration Award.

The RCVS Honours & Awards are given each year to recognise the contribution of vets and vet nurses.

The Inspiration Award is given to a vet or vet nurse who has demonstrated the ability to inspire and enthuse others consistently throughout their career. It recognises those who have gone ‘above and beyond’ what may normally be expected from a professional colleague and who have consistently inspired.

Nicola Jarvis with Maisy at Redwings

Nicola has worked at Redwings since 1996 and oversees our team of dedicated vets, vet nurses and care staff who look after the health and wellbeing of our 1,500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

She was nominated by her team, with supporting statements given by Richard J. Payne, Clinical Director at Rossdales Equine Hospital and Pat Harris, Director of Science at Mars Horsecare.

Dawn Trayhorn, one of Redwings' senior veterinary surgeons, said: “Nicky's inspirational behaviour is the driving force behind Redwings’ Horse Hospital.

“She never loses sight that we are a charity funded by donations, challenging us daily to find efficient ways to provide a high quality of care, while ensuring the hospital remains a hub for development – influence which has undoubtedly enabled us to save and invest further in our work.

“She is incredibly productive, using her continued professional development to further her knowledge in ways that benefit the hospital's operations and find solutions to sanctuary-wide care issues to improve the lives of the horses.”

Dawn added: “Nicky was instrumental in the creation of Redwings' vet nurse team. Some nurses were originally grooms at the sanctuary who were inspired to further their careers due to Nicky's mentorship. Some staff even joined Redwings simply after hearing her speak at one of the hospital's public open days! Many of the team have served under Nicky for years, and those who have left have her on speed dial, knowing they can call whenever they need advice.”

“Nicky's inspirational behaviour is the driving force behind Redwings’ Horse Hospital."

Dawn Trayhorn

Senior Veterinary Surgeon

Nicola will be given her award at a special ceremony in London on 4th July, alongside the award’s other recipient his year, veterinary nurse Kerry Flynn, who is recognised for her role as Chair of London-based Protected Paws Animal Rescue, which treats and rehomes stray and sick animals in Greater London and beyond.

On her nomination, and winning, Nicola said: “I am blessed to work with a whole team of truly inspirational people everyday, so being nominated for this award means the absolute world to me. I am so grateful for everyone's kind words and support. It is a huge honour to win the award alongside Kerry.”

Other recipients of RCVS Honours & Awards this year include Professor Simon Doherty, who passed away in December, and was posthumously awarded the RCVS’ highest honour for an individual vet surgeon, the Queen’s Medal; a vet nurse who helped found the UK’s first veterinary clinical skills centre and a charity founder who has led efforts to reduce animal and human deaths through rabies vaccinations.

Linda Belton, RCVS President, said: “As always with our awards, we have a range of people who demonstrate the great breadth of contributions that the veterinary professions, and those working in and around the veterinary sector, make to animal health and welfare, public health and wider society – both here in the UK and abroad.

“I hope their stories will serve to inspire others in the professions, as well as those who might be considering veterinary careers, on just how consequential our work can be.  

“We’re very grateful to Simon’s family who agreed to accept his posthumous award. I look forward to meeting the recipients and their families and friends and celebrating their achievements at our Royal College Day in July.”