Tickets are now on sale for the 31st National Equine Forum (NEF23) with a limited number of early bird tickets available until Friday 20th January 2023. The popular event will be held in London on Thursday 2nd March 2023 and will cover industry advancements in science, health, welfare and sport. Tickets for the live event usually sell out fast.
The programme has been finalised and a full day of sessions, which will also be livestreamed, covers a diverse mix of topics presented by an exceptional cast of speakers comprising government ministers, leading vets and industry professionals.
The Equine Industry in a Changing World will include contributions from the Rt Hon Lord Benyon, Minister of State for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs, Defra. David Mountford, Chair of the British Horse Council will provide an update on health, welfare and traceability initiatives. Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare will discuss the public perception of equestrianism.
Opportunities and challenges for the future of the equestrian sector will include an update from Claire Williams, Executive Director and Secretary of BETA, on the BETA National Equestrian Survey. James Hick, Chief Executive Officer of the BHS, will speak about factors implicating grassroots access to riding and two case studies will be included.
Equine health update will include Prof Celia Marr providing the latest information on infectious diseases and Dr Claire Stratford explaining the launch of the anthelmintic resistance initiative CANTER.
Learning theory will explore the science behind how horses and humans learn, why horses behave in the way they do and what to do with ‘undesirable behaviours’. Dr Gemma Pearson will provide the vet and behaviourist view and the session will also incorporate a case study and panel discussion including contributions from social scientist Dr Tamzin Furtado.
The roles and responsibilities of influencers will look at the role of the media within the horse sector, with Social Media Consultant Rhea Freeman speaking about managing social media and Eleanor Jones, News Editor of Horse & Hound discussing the impact of print and online publications. Two successful riders will also be presenting their perspectives.
Two brief topical discussions will be incorporated into the day, alongside a special interview with Charlie Thornycroft on her work with British Equestrians for Ukraine providing help to Ukrainian people and their animals. The winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award will also be announced.
Q&A opportunities have been built in at the end of all the main sessions to give the audience and the livestream viewers a chance to engage with the discussions. Both face-to-face attendees and live streaming delegates can submit questions quickly and easily via Slido from 27 February 2023. Face-to-face delegates can request a certificate of attendance if required.
Further information and tickets are available here.
Picture courtesy of Craig Payne Photography