Welcome to the National Equine Forum
The National Equine Forum (NEF) is the only equine conference of its kind in the UK, free from any specific equine sector affiliation, bias or commercial influence.
Recognised in the horse world as an outstanding annual event this exceptional conference brings together influential members of the equine industry, experts and government to debate pertinent topical issues and discuss current research and innovation. It also provides a unique opportunity for networking with the leaders of the industry.
The 34th National Equine Form took place on Thursday 05 March 2026 (#NEF26).
Collaboration takes centre stage at NEF26
The necessity of collaboration across the equine sector took centre stage at the National Equine Forum, which brought a packed audience to Westminster, London on 5th March 2026. Delegates and livestream viewers joined leading voices from across the industry for a day of lively discussion covering equine health, welfare, disease management, veterinary practices and the growing role of artificial intelligence. While the topics were wide-ranging, the message was clear: progress...
International Welfare Champion wins NEF Sir Colin Spedding Award
Professor Chris Riggs, FRCVS, Director Equine Welfare Research Foundation and Chief Advisor, Mainland Veterinary Engagement, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), was announced as the winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award at yesterday’s National Equine Forum (NEF), 5th March 2026. The award was given in honour of Chris’s dedication to improving equine welfare internationally. NEF delegates were treated to a detailed insight into Chris’s work in China, as he...
Be seen and be heard at NEF 2026
What: National Equine Forum (NEF) When: Thursday 5th March 2026 from 10am – 4.30pm Where: London and live streamed There is still time to book your ticket and be a part of the important annual equestrian discussions at this year’s National Equine Forum, 5th March 2026. This year’s diverse programme is aimed at helping to build a united vision for the future of equestrianism. “For anyone who is keen to...
Next Forum
The 35th National Equine Forum will take place on Thursday 04 March 2027. Details will be released in late 2026.
The 34th National Equine Forum took place on Thursday 05 March 2026. Details can be found here and sessions will be added to our YouTube Channel in the weeks following the event.
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Sir Colin Spedding Award
The Sir Colin Spedding Award is presented annually to an exceptional unsung hero or heroine of the equestrian world. Any individual or organisation from any equestrian field in the UK is eligible, as long as their outstanding qualities have not been formally acknowledged elsewhere. Past winners can be found here.
Nominations for the 2027 Sir Colin Spedding Award are open, and will close on Friday 31 July 2026. The winner will be announced at the 35th National Equine Forum on Thursday 04 March 2027.
