Nominations are officially open for the for the National Equine Forum (NEF) Sir Colin Spedding Award 2027. This prestigious accolade shines a spotlight on outstanding individuals or organisations whose vital contributions to the equine sector have not yet been formally recognised. The online nomination process is quick and easy; the form can be found here.
Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired the event for 20 years until his death in 2012. He ensured that representatives of all areas of the equine sphere were made welcome at the Forum, and that topics of general interest and concern could be discussed openly and amicably.
The Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced in 2013 in Sir Colin’s memory and is presented annually at the National Equine Forum, to an exceptional unsung hero or organisation within the equestrian world.
Nominations for the Sir Colin Spedding Award can be submitted via the Award nomination page on the NEF website. Before making a nomination please read the checklist on the website and submit no more than 100 words on why you believe your chosen candidate (an individual or an organisation) should be considered for the award. Nominations close on 31 July 2026. Please note that multiple nominations for the same person or organisation will not carry additional merit and self-nominations will not be valid. The committee’s decision will be final.
Information about the previous winners of the Sir Colin Spedding Award can be found here.
The Sir Colin Spedding Award sub-committee Chair Jane Holderness-Roddam said: “During the past 13 years, the Sir Colin Spedding Award has grown into one of the equestrian sector’s most prestigious accolades. We are incredibly proud to have honoured so many extraordinary individuals and organisations since its inception. As we look ahead to 2027, we encourage the community to submit nominations to help us continue to highlight and celebrate those who truly deserve national recognition.”
The winner will be invited to attend the National Equine Forum in March 2027, where the award will be formally presented.
Images courtesy of Shai Dolev Photography