NEF Sir Colin Spedding award winner announced

Di Arbuthnot, the former Chief Executive of the charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) was recently announced as the winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum (NEF). The award was given in recognition of Di’s dedication to racehorse welfare.

Through her leadership of RoR for over 20 years, Di provided a pathway for thoroughbreds to have a meaningful life after racing. Di went on to set up and chair the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR). Due to Di’s foresight, dedication and ability to persuade, thousands of racehorses have secured comfortable and fulfilling lives post training, and tens of thousands now face assured futures.

Di said, “I am thrilled to receive this prestigious award, and I would like to thank the National Equine Forum. It was a privilege, 25 years ago, to become part of a charity that has helped many thoroughbreds have another career.”

Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired the event for 20 years until his death in 2012. The award was introduced in 2013, in his memory, and is presented annually to an exceptional unsung hero or heroine of the equestrian world.

Two joint winners received the Sir Colin Spedding Award in 2024: Kirsty Withnall for her work as an RSPCA Case Officer and Amanda Stoddart-West for her pioneering work as a Coordinator at the Great Yorkshire Show. Charlotte Thornycroft won the 2023 Award for her dedication to the British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund.

The sessions from NEF25 will be released on the NEF YouTube channel soon. Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/nationalequineforum to find out more.