Equine

National Equine Forum pays tribute to former Vice Chairman

vetreportFebruary 3, 2016

The Organising Committee of National Equine Forum will pay tribute to their former Vice President and Honorary Fellow Richard Matson at their annual event next month. Richard sadly died in December following a short illness.

Founder of the Twemlows Stud and an influential figure in the equestrian world, Richard was the Vice Chairman of the NEF for 21 years. Following his retirement in 2014 he was one of the first to be awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Forum last year.

Former NEF convener Graham Suggett said: “It has been my privilege to have worked with Richard on many initiatives in both the farming and equine industries over a long period of time. He was a man who knew his mind and was not frightened to speak out on matters in which he believed.”

NEF Chairman Tim Brigstocke continued: “Without the huge input that Richard Matson gave as Vice Chairman to the National Equine Forum the now well-established annual gathering for anyone involved in the horse world would not have happened.

“Richard, along with the other Founders of the Forum, had the foresight and wisdom to see the need for such a gathering. Through sheer persistence and huge charm Richard remained a stalwart of the NEF until he stood down from the Organising Committee a couple of years ago. He continued to maintain his interest in the Forum and always could be relied upon to help or sort out issues. He will be sorely missed.”

Richard’s sons Edward and Tullis recently accepted the SEIB Insurance Brokers Meritoire for lifelong achievement in British Breeding on behalf of their father.

The National Equine Forum, to be held in London on 3rd March, will include a celebration of Richard’s significant contribution to equestrianism.

The National Equine Forum is an annual event bringing together representatives from all echelons of the equestrian industry, including government, equestrian sport, veterinary science and welfare. It has been running for 24 years and is organised by a committee of appointed volunteers, reflecting various sectors of the equestrian industry. For further information on the NEF visit http://www.nationalequineforum.com