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National Equine Forum 2025 to explore ‘threat and opportunity’
The event can be attended in-person or through a livestream.
Vets, industry leaders and charity workers will consider the future of equestrianism.

The 33rd National Equine Forum (NEF25) is set to explore the threats and opportunities which face the equine sector.

The annual forum will be held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in London on Thursday, 6 March 2025. Live streaming tickets will also be made available to those who cannot attend the event in person.

The programme will provide opportunities for veterinary professionals, industry leaders and charities to discuss important topics in the equine sector. Each of the main sessions will also be followed by a Q&A session for delegates.

‘The Equine Industry in a Changing World’ seeks to present a Parliamentary perspective on the status on the sector, accompanied by an update from the British Horse Council. This will also include a review of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

A session on ‘Equine Health Updates’ will provide the latest news on serious disease threats to horses in the UK.

‘Equine feeds’ will advise on elements of feed safety and legality. This includes the fundamental role of forage, as well as guidance on where to find reliable and appropriate feed advice.

‘Equine Assisted Services’ explores the important partnership role that horses play in society, both when ridden and when on the ground. It will consider their inclusion in the Paralympic Games, as well as how they facilitate learning and positively impact people’s lives.

NEF25 will include a Memorial Lecture, which this year will discuss how charities work together to protect equine welfare in Britain with views from the ‘front-line’. The winner of this year’s Sir Colin Spedding Award will also be announced.

The event hopes to provide an opportunity for delegates to hear from influential members of the sector, learn about the latest developments and network with those in the industry.

Tim Brigstocke, NEF chairman, said: “In this year’s programme we have picked some of the most pertinent areas presenting opportunities or threats to the sector,

“We will be addressing these in our inimitable, balanced style, for which NEF has become renowned. We look forward to welcoming you either in person or via the livestream.”

Early bird tickets are on sale until 8 January 2025, while live streaming tickets will be released in January.

Image © Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.