National Equine Forum emphasises unity and innovation

The National Equine Forum (NEF), recently held in London, has been praised for highlighting the themes of ‘cooperation, community and courage’ as fundamental to the equine sector’s resilience. Dr Pat Harris, the NEF Vice Chair, encapsulated the sentiment of the event which included diverse topics from environmental sustainability to the intricacies of equine health care.

Significant discussions included updates on the Manifesto for the Horse, showcasing the equine sector’s contributions to the economy and community, and the progress on equestrian premise licensing in Scotland, underscoring its potential benefits to equine welfare.

Ali Dane’s examination of the impact of National Minimum Wage increases provided a stark look at economic pressures, whilst preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, presented by British Equestrian representatives, highlighted the potential of the sector on the global stage.

The forum also honoured the late Prof R.H. Graham Suggett OBE, a pivotal figure in its foundation.

A focus on accessibility and diversity was evident, with the #HorsesForAll strategy aiming to foster a culture of inclusion at all levels of the industry. The Memorial Lecture turned the spotlight to advancing equine wellbeing through practical approaches like the 20% rider weight rule.

The event culminated with the presentation of the Sir Colin Spedding Award, recognising outstanding contributions to the sector, including efforts to combat equine welfare issues.

Dr Harris closed the forum with a note of gratitude to all involved in the event’s success and a reminder of the NEF’s replay availability, inviting further engagement with the forum’s valuable insights. For more information and to access the replay, please visit the National Equine Forum’s website.

For ease of access, the Manifesto for the Horse is available HERE and the NEF replay can be found HERE