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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 32nd National Equine Form was held on Thursday 7th March 2024 (#NEF24).

#NEF24 Info #NEF24 Replay Spedding Award Nomination Subscribe

Sir Colin Spedding Award: don’t miss your chance to nominate

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 online. Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired the event...

NEF pays tribute to Kirsty Withnall

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 justice those responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to animals. The NEF Convener Dr Georgina Crossman...

NEF shines spotlight on cooperation, community and courage within the sector

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 to the changes and challenges it faces. Topics included Defra’s thoughts, an update on the...

Next Forum

The 32nd National Equine Forum took place on Thursday 7th March 2024. Details can be found here.

The 33rd National Equine Forum will take place on Thursday 6th  March 2025. Details will be released nearer the time.

If you would like to keep up to date with developments please subscribe to our mailing list.

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 2025 Sir Colin Spedding Award will close at 12 noon (BST) on Wednesday 31st July 2024, and can be made here.

The 32nd National Equine Forum (#NEF24) was kindly sponsored by: