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).
Calling amateur equine photographers to enter #NEF25 programme competition
If you’d like your equine photography to be featured on the programme cover for a leading national equestrian event, this opportunity is for you. The National Equine Forum (NEF) committee is calling for amateur equine photographers to enter a special competition to find a cover star for the NEF 2025 programme. All amateur photographers are eligible to enter, by submitting a picture of their own horse, pony, donkey or mule,...
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...
Next Forum
The 33rd National Equine Forum will take place on Thursday 6th March 2025. Details will be released in late 2024.
The 32nd National Equine Forum took place on Thursday 7th March 2024. Details can be found here.
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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.
Nominations for the 2025 Sir Colin Spedding Award are now closed and the winner will be announced at the 33rd National Equine Forum on Thursday 6th March 2025. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2025 Award.
