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 will be held on Thursday 7th March 2024 (#NEF24).
Cover star needed for #NEF24 programme
If you are an aspiring equine photographer, now’s the time to reveal your talent; the National Equine Forum (NEF) is running a special competition to find a cover star for the NEF 2024 programme. All amateur photographers are eligible to enter, by submitting a picture of their own horse, pony, donkey or mule, or one they have received permission to photograph, subject to terms and conditions. Submitted images will also...
Do you know someone who deserves to win the NEF 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 the horse world but are, as yet, unacknowledged. The Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced...
National Equine Forum delivers an educational and emotional 31st event
The National Equine Forum (NEF) took delegates on an educational and emotional journey of discovery at their annual event earlier this month. Themes included the Defra perspective, Equine ID, and the public acceptance of equestrianism. The latest data on the sector, the sustainability of riding schools, current equine health risks and working with paraprofessionals were also covered. The programme was interspersed with more personal accounts of saving horses in Ukraine,...
Next Forum
The 31st National Equine Forum took place on Thursday 2nd March 2023. Details can found here.
The 32nd National Equine Forum will take place on Thursday 7th March 2024. Details will be released in the autumn of 2023.
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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.
Information about how to make a nomination for the next Sir Colin Spedding Award can be found here.
Nominations for the 2024 Sir Colin Spedding Award closed at 12 noon (BST) on Monday 31st July 2023, and will reopen for the 2025 Sir Colin Spedding Award in March 2024.