NATIONAL EQUINE FORUM
New format to encourage even more discussion at National Equine Forum
The 23nd National Equine Forum, to be held on Thursday 5th March 2015, at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London, will be presented in a new format to enable even more debate and discussion with panels of speakers and delegates. The programme will encompass three engaging themes: The horse industry: reflections and projections, The horse industry and the government and Further education training opportunities in the UK. The day will also include the presentation of the prestigious Sir Colin Spedding Award.
The National Equine Forum is one of the only events in the UK to bring together representatives from all echelons of the equestrian industry, including government, equestrian sport, veterinary science and welfare. The new format for 2015 has been instigated in response to requests from delegates to open up more debate and discussion opportunities, for which the forum is renowned. The Forum also now has a later start time of 10.15am, with networking from 9.15am, in response to suggestions from delegates travelling from further afield.
The horse industry: reflections and projections will explore the results of the latest national equestrian survey, assess the economic impact of racing on the industry during 2013 and look at how participation in equestrianism can be increased.
The horse industry and the Government will commence with discussion on the equine sector 2015 General Election Manifesto for the Horse, lead by Jeanette Allen, Chair of the Equine Sector Council Steering Group and Louise Kemble, Chair of the British Horse Industry Confederation. An ‘on the ground’ view of the implementation and enforcement of equine legislation, including fly grazing and livery yards will be given by Steven Gale, Animal Health and Welfare Officer for Stockton on Tees Borough Council.
Panel discussion will then take place between Defra and Chief Veterinary Officers for Northern Ireland, Scotland (and Wales TBC), along with a representative from the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, on equine health and welfare in a changing world. This highly topical session will cover items including flygrazing, the tripartite agreement, the management of equine health, passports, horse meat and livery yard licensing.
The third session will examine some of the further education training opportunities in equestrianism in the UK and open up the debate over whether we have the mix right.
In addition to the three themed sessions there will a number of five-minute topical slots interspersed throughout the day and the winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award will be announced and the award presented. This award was established in 2013 in recognition of the late Professor Sir Colin Spedding’s services to the equine sector – most especially for his extraordinary commitment in founding the National Equine Forum and then being Chair of the Forum for 19 years.
The National Equine Forum is organised by a committee reflecting various sectors of the equestrian industry and has as its President HRH The Princess Royal. It is sponsored by the Association of British Riding Schools, Bedmax, British Equine Veterinary Association, the Blue Cross, British Equestrian Federation, British Equestrian Trade Association, British Horse Society, British Horseracing Authority, Bulley Davey, Craig Payne Photography, Darbys Solicitors, Dodson and Horrell, Donkey Sanctuary, Hadlow College, the Horse Trust, Jeffress Scholarship Trust, NFU Mutual Insurance, South Essex Insurance Brokers, Weatherbys and World Horse Welfare.
Tickets are available to equestrian trade delegates and equestrian professionals at a cost of £100 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day. To apply or to find out how you could enjoy the privilege of becoming a Friend of the Forum please contact the Hon Secretary, Ms Tracy Allen, at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell, Warwick, CV35 9BL email teallen@warkscol.ac.uk. For further information on the NEF visit www.bef.co.uk/National-Equine-Forum/
