Salthouse gets ready for Games welfare role (From Worcester News)

Salthouse gets ready for Games welfare role

4:00pm Friday 22nd June 2012 in Sport By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

CATHERINE Salthouse is to fly the flag for Herefordshire and Worcestershire at the Olympics and Paralympics next month.

The 48-year-old from Ledbury will help to look after the welfare of around 200 horses during both Games in London.

Salthouse, a qualified equine veterinary nurse for 17 years, will work with surgeons at a purpose-built clinic in Greenwich Park where the eventing, show jumping, dressage and modern pentathlon take place.

She said: “We will look after the horses from when they come on site to when they leave.

“I hope we don’t have anything to do because that means they are healthy but, with jumping over obstacles, there is the risk they will pick up injuries.

“We will have a clinic there on site with X-ray and ultrasound and a lab where we can run blood tests.”

A laboratory manager at the Three Counties Equine Hospital near Ripple, Salthouse, who was hand-picked to work alongside the vets in the capital, added: “I am absolutely over the moon about it.

“I love the Olympics and am extremely patriotic so, if I can’t be there as an athlete, I am there representing my skills, that’s how I see it.

“Hopefully, we are going to demonstrate that we can put on a good show.

“The practice have been supportive because it’s a long time away but I am thoroughly looking forward to it.”