Given the restrictions posed by the global pandemic, we can confirm that the National Equine Forum (NEF) will be delivered in a virtual format in 2021, comprising two special interest webinars followed by the main Forum in March. Tickets for the webinars, to be held in January 2021, are available now, here.
“It has been an extraordinary and difficult year for all of us,” said Tim Brigstocke, Chair of the National Equine Forum. “While it is disappointing not to be able to provide a live, in-person Forum, the organising committee has been hard at work putting together an engaging, topical and educational series of online events, culminating in the 29th National Equine Forum. We very much hope you will enjoy all of them.”
Just in Time – Using Science to Save our Breeds, 7pm Wednesday 13th January 2021, will be delivered by industry leaders, with opportunities for discussion and questions from the audience. Speakers will look at the magnitude of the decline of the UK’s native breeds and how their future can be safeguarded. The impact of the extinction vortex on the natural world and how it applies to equine breeds will be covered and the challenging situation of inbreeding in Thoroughbreds explored.
The advantages of DNA analysis will be debated, to show how science can provide breed societies and breeders with keystone support to guide decisions that can increase effective populations. This will be endorsed with a case study to show proof of concept that breeds in decline have a chance to be saved when genomics and kinship analysis are utilised. Tickets for this webinar can be found here.
The Great Weight Debate (equine), 7pm Wednesday 27th January 2021,will take a practical look at different perspectives on equine weight management, from across the equestrian sector, including the views of a horse owner, livery yard owner and coach, an equine welfare officer, an equine vet, a nutritionist and a competition judge.
The panel of speakers will aim to identify what is preventing owners/carers from managing horse, pony and donkey weight effectively, despite many previous and ongoing attempts from industry to effect change. They will also explore how any obstacles may be overcome and the discussions will be supported by a human behaviour change researcher. Conclusions and possible pathways for change will be presented at #NEF21. Tickets for this webinar can be found here.
The 29th National Equine Forum, themed Positivity and Progress will be held on Thursday 4th March 2021. The morning session will provide critical insight to welfare, trade and biosecurity, followed by positive innovations for the sector, borne from Covid-19. The afternoon session will provide updates from the two special interest webinars, a session on how new technology is helping riders and a revisit to access and accidents (last covered at #NEF18), with amendments to The Highway Code as a timely and important update for our audience. Tickets will be available in January 2021. If you would like to receive an email when they are available please subscribe to our email list.
Tickets are priced at £5.00 for each webinar and £10.00 for the Forum itself and there is no booking fee. Tickets for the first webinar can be booked here, and the second webinar here. Tickets for the 29th National Equine Forum will be available in January 2021.
To find out how you could enjoy the privilege of becoming a sponsor, corporate friend or friend of the National Equine Forum, please view our sponsorship packages, or contact us.