Category: Sir Colin Spedding Award

National Equine Forum 2026 to Discuss Future of Equestrianism
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF26, Sir Colin Spedding Award

The National Equine Forum (NEF), the UK’s foremost independent equestrian conference, will hold its 34th event on Thursday, 5 March 2026, with a diverse programme aimed at helping to build a united vision for the future of equestrianism. “We have become well-known for bringing together equestrian experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts, to debate the…

Nominations open for Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF26, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Nominations are now open for the for the National Equine Forum (NEF) Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026. This award honours outstanding individuals or organisations in the equine sector who strive to make a difference but have not yet been recognised.  The online nomination process is quick and easy; the form can be found here. Sir…

Record attendance for National Equine Forum
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF25, Sir Colin Spedding Award

This year’s National Equine Forum broke previous attendance records. It was enjoyed by more than 630 people, with the face-to-face event at Westminster, London, at capacity and a record 417 people watching the livestream from around the world. The event embraced an inspirational balance of the latest in equestrian news, knowledge and know-how, as well…

NEF Sir Colin Spedding Award Winner Announced
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF25, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Di Arbuthnot, the former Chief Executive of the charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) was announced as the winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award at today’s National Equine Forum (NEF), 6th March 2025. The award was given in recognition of Di’s dedication to racehorse welfare.  Through her leadership of the charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)…

Don’t miss the debate at NEF 2025
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF25, Sir Colin Spedding Award

What: National Equine Forum (NEF)When: Thursday 6th March 2025 from 10am – 4.30pmWhere: London and live streamed There is still time to be a part of the important annual equestrian discussions at this year’s National Equine Forum, 6th March 2025. Tickets for the face-to-face event have been selling fast but a limited number are still…

Threats and opportunities in the spotlight for National Equine Forum 2025
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF25, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Threats and opportunities for the future of the equestrian sector will be addressed at the 33rd National Equine Forum (NEF25), to be held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), London on Thursday 6th March 2025. The bold and topical programme will see industry leaders, veterinary professionals and charity representatives initiating discussions on important issues…

Sir Colin Spedding Award: don’t miss your chance to nominate
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF25, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Don’t miss your chance to nominate an exceptional individual or organisation within the equine sector, for the National Equine Forum (NEF) Sir Colin Spedding Award 2025. This prestigious award champions the cause of those who strive to make difference in the horse world but are, as yet, unacknowledged. Nominations can be made quickly and easily…

NEF pays tribute to Kirsty Withnall
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF24, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Sir Colin Spedding Award 2024 Winner, Kirsty Withnall, sadly passed away on Sunday 21st April 2024, following a long illness. Kirsty was awarded the Sir Colin Spedding Award by HRH The Princess Royal, on Thursday 7th March 2024 at the 32nd National Equine Forum (#NEF24), in recognition of her tenacity and perseverance in bringing to…

NEF shines spotlight on cooperation, community and courage within the sector
By Categories: Cover Image Competition, Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF24, Sir Colin Spedding Award

The National Equine Forum (NEF), held in London earlier this month, embraced the importance of “cooperation, community and courage” to maintain the strength and integrity of the sector, as summarised by the NEF Vice Chair Dr Pat Harris. Presentations covered a wide variety of topics, showcasing how the equine industry is continuing to step up…

NEF Award winners announced
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF24, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Two joint winners received the Sir Colin Spedding Award at yesterday’s National Equine Forum (NEF) on 7th March 2024. Kirsty Withnall was recognised for her tireless determination as an RSPCA Case Officer, in bringing to justice those responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Amanda Stoddart-West was acknowledged for her pioneering work to enhance equine…

Are you going to be part of the debate at NEF 2024?
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF24, Sir Colin Spedding Award

What: National Equine Forum (NEF)When: Thursday 7th March 2024 from 10am – 4.30pmWhere: 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, 7th March 2024. A very limited number of face-to-face or live stream tickets are…

National Equine Forum box office open
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF24, Sir Colin Spedding Award

The box office is now open for the 32nd National Equine Forum (NEF24), to be held in London on Thursday 7th March 2024. The full day event, which is an important UK equestrian discussion platform, will address some of the most pertinent and topical subjects affecting the sector. Speakers include a government minister, leading vets…

National Equine Forum to address several sector challenges
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF24, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Some of the most important challenges being faced by the equine sector will be addressed at the 32nd National Equine Forum (NEF24), to be held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), London on Thursday 7th March 2024. The inspiring programme, which will also be live streamed, will shine a spotlight on some of the…

Do you know someone who deserves to win the NEF Sir Colin Spedding Award?
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF24, Sir Colin Spedding Award

If you know of an exceptional individual or organisation working within the equestrian sector who deserves recognition for their endeavour, the National Equine Forum (NEF) would like to hear from you. Nominations are now being received for the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2024 to champion the cause of those who strive to make difference in…

Charlotte Thornycroft wins NEF Award and receives standing ovation
By Categories: Memorial Lecture, National Equine Forum, NEF23, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Charlie Thornycroft was announced as the winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award at last week’s National Equine Forum (NEF), 2nd March 2023. She was presented with the Award by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Charlie also received a standing ovation for her talk about her experiences providing vital aid to Ukraine’s equestrian sector…

NEF calls for unsung equestrians to be honoured
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF23, Sir Colin Spedding Award

The National Equine Forum (NEF) is calling for nominations for the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2023. If you know of an exceptional individual or organisation within the equine sector, why not give them the opportunity to be publicly lauded, by putting them forward for this esteemed award. The Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced in…

Sir Colin Spedding Award: don’t miss your chance to nominate
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF22, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Don’t miss your chance to nominate an exceptional individual or organisation within the equine sector, for the prestigious Sir Colin Spedding Award 2022. Nominations close on 31 July 2021 so if you have a worthy unsung hero on your radar who deserves recognition the NEF organising committee is keen to hear from you as soon…

Royal presentation for Sir Colin Spedding Award winner
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF21, Sir Colin Spedding Award

Claire Williams, winner of this year’s National Equine Forum (NEF) Special Covid-19 Sir Colin Spedding Award 2021 was formally presented with the Award by HRH The Princess Royal, who is President of the NEF, at Gatcombe Park on 29th April 2021. Claire, who is the Executive Director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), was…

Special Covid-19 Sir Colin Spedding Award highly commended awardees
By Categories: National Equine Forum, NEF21, Sir Colin Spedding Award

The National Equine Forum is delighted to recognise the following awardees as highly commended for the Special Covid-19 Sir Colin Spedding Award 2021. Alison Payne has been highly commended for her efforts in creating the book “A Highland Pony 2020 – Project 2020” during the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic. Andrew McDiarmid has been…