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Nominations open for Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026
The winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2025 was Di Arbuthnot.
Entries close midday on 31 July 2025.

The National Equine Forum (NEF) has opened nominations for the 2026 Sir Colin Spedding Award.

The accolade recognises the unsung heroes of the equine sector, whether they are individuals or organisations.

Nominations can be made using an online form on the NEF website. Nominators should submit no more than 100 words explaining why the chosen candidate should be considered for the award.

Multiple nominations for the same candidate will not carry additional merit and self-nominations are not valid. Entries close on 31 July 2025.

The winner of the Sir Colin Spedding Award in 2025 was Di Arbuthnot. Ms Arbuthnot is the former chief executive of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), where she sought to give thoroughbred horses a meaningful life after racing.

Ms Arbuthnot 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.”

The Sir Colin Spedding Award was launched in 2013 to honour the memory of NEF’s founding chairman. As chairman, Sir Colin ensured representatives from across the equine sector were welcome at the Forum and that a range of topics could be discussed amicably.

Jane Holderness-Roddam, chair of the award’s sub-committee, said: “In the 12 years since the Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced it has become one of the most coveted accolades within the equestrian sector.
 
“We are proud to have been able to celebrate so many extraordinary individuals, organisations and achievements since its inception and look forward to adding to our outstanding roll call in 2026. If you have an exceptional individual or organisation in mind for the Award do let us know, so that we can give them the recognition and appreciation they truly deserve.”

The application form can be found on the NEF website.

Image © Shai Dolev Photography

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.