The box office is now open for the 32nd National Equine Forum (NEF24), to be held in London on Thursday 7th March 2024.
The full day event, which is an important UK equestrian discussion platform, will address some of the most pertinent and topical subjects affecting the sector. Speakers include a government minister, leading vets and sector professionals, who will focus on advancements and challenges in equine health, management, welfare and the environment. For those who are unable to attend on the day the event will also be livestreamed.
The Equine Industry in a Changing World will include contributions from The Lord Douglas-Miller OBE, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare); David Mountford, Chair of the British Horse Council will discuss the equine sector’s Manifesto for the Horse for the 2024 General Election; while Andrew Voas, Veterinary Head of Animal Welfare, Scottish Government will consider the background to recent Scottish Government consultation on licensing livery yards and possible further legislation.
Environmental sustainability and land management will be chaired by Ruth Dancer from White Griffin and will build on the discussions held at last year’s World Horse Welfare conference on how the equine sector can take positive, practical steps to support the environment, with responsible management practices. The session will include contributions from Denis Duggan, Chief Executive of Horse Sport Ireland, as well as the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) and ADAS who will discuss the uses of their carbon calculator.
Equine health care team will be chaired by Jonathan Statham, of the Animal Health & Welfare Board for England and feature Lucy Grieve, Veterinary Projects Officer at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and Marie Rippingale Chair of the BEVA Equine Nurse Committee looking at how vets, vet nurses, horse owners and allied professionals can work together to best effect for the good of the horse.
In a separate session Ian Cawsey, Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at the Donkey Sanctuary will cover the situation on the trade in donkey skins since the last update at NEF in 2020.
Industry Access chaired by Beverley Simms of The British Horse Society (BHS), will include a presentation from Jane Cooper of Access and Inclusion UK, a review of the British Equestrian’s (BEF) recently launched diversity and Inclusion strategy Horses for All, and an update on the outputs of recent audience insight work conducted by the BHS. The session will close with an interview with Georgina Urwin from Summerfield Stables and Eleanor Spelman of Solihull Riding Club considering the accessibility of riding.
Topical slots will consider the impact of the National Minimum Wage on the equestrian sector and the logistics that go into planning the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The day will end with the Memorial Lecture, before the winner the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2024 is 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.
Tickets for the face-to-face event can be booked here.
Tickets for the live stream can be booked here.
A limited number of afternoon tickets are available at a subsidised rate for delegates from the education sector (final year undergraduate students, postgraduate students and lecturers (final year undergraduate students should be accompanied by a lecturer)). Students must be studying equine, or equine-related, subjects. Tickets are £25 per delegate. Please contact us for more information.
Further information on the day can be found on our website here.
To find out how you could enjoy the privilege of becoming a sponsor, corporate friend or friend of the National Equine Forum please contact us.
Picture courtesy of Craig Payne Photography