With a first class line up of speakers and a popular central London venue the impending National Equine Forum (NEF), to be held on Thursday 8 March 2018, is shaping up to be an auspicious occasion for the equestrian world. Government officials, vets and equestrian industry leaders will share their wisdom and invigorate debate on some of today’s most germane equestrian topics including the latest on the central equine database, challenges facing small equestrian businesses, equine welfare in British racing, what’s new in equestrian safety and the latest news on rider weight research. The prestigious Sir Colin Spedding Award will also be presented and the annual memorial lecture delivered.
The National Equine Forum brings together representatives from every section of the equestrian industry for friendly, unbiased debate. The aim is to inform, educate and help the industry to speak with the united strength of one voice on topical matters affecting the current and future management and wellbeing of the horse.
The day will commence with the customary Defra view on the UK horse industry. Stewart Everett will then provide an update on the central equine database, before a briefing on the Defra/farming industry livestock improvement programme, which has been designed to replace all farm livestock databases, including equidae, to produce something more useful both for government and livestock keepers/owners for the future.
Rt. Hon. Dame Caroline Spelman MP will chair the popular panel discussion this year, delving into the challenges facing small equestrian businesses and the headaches that business rates, insurance, GDPR, health and safety can present.
Nick Rust, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority will speak about the vital role of equine welfare and its perception within British Racing.
A session on safety of both horse and rider will involve Professor Michael Gilchrist of the University College Dublin presenting the latest in riding hat research. Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at the British Horse Society will advise on the highly topical issue of riding on the roads and how to influence driver safety. The use of data to increase safety in equestrian sport will also be explored
Dr Sue Dyson will be revealing the eagerly anticipated results of the latest phase of her study on the effects of different rider weights on horses. This groundbreaking piece of research was jointly funded by fourteen different organisations who are very keen to see this challenging issue investigated in a scientific way.
Jim Green, Animal Rescue Tactical Advisor, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Director and co-founder of the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association will present the Memorial Lecture on horse rescue. These lectures are given each year and link to past winners of the Sir Colin Spedding Award; Jim was last year’s winner.
The winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award will be announced and the award presented. This award was established in 2013 in recognition of the late Professor Sir Colin Spedding’s services to the equine sector – most especially founding the National Equine Forum and Chairing it for 19 years.
Tickets are available to equestrian trade delegates and equestrian professionals. The first ticket purchased by an individual or organisation will cost £50; subsequent tickets for the same organisation will cost £100. The ticket price includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day. To apply or to find out how you could enjoy the privilege of becoming a Friend of the Forum please email info@nationalequineforum.com.
For further information on the NEF visit http://www.nationalequineforum.com.
