Tributes paid to Prof R.H. Graham Suggett OBE
The National Equine Forum (NEF) has paid tribute to Prof R.H. Graham Suggett OBE, who passed away on 7 November at the age of 87 following a long illness.
Prof Suggett co-founded the NEF alongside Prof Sir Colin Spedding OBE and Arthur George MBE, with the first forum taking place in 1993. He held the post of convenor from 1998 to 2008 and became an honorary fellow of the forum in 2015.
The annual event, presided over by HRH The Princess Royal, brings together members of the equestrian industry and experts to address and debate important issues in the sector.
As well as his role in the NEF, Prof Suggett greatly contributed to the equine sector in his work as principal of Warwickshire College (Moreton Morrell). In the mid-1970s, he launched the first full-time further education course in equine management. The course later developed into the first equine degree in the UK.
He was awarded an OBE in 1994 for services to agricultural education and conservation.
After retiring from Warwickshire College, he served as director of equine development and breeding at the British Equestrian Federation and as chairman of the National Equine Database.
In a statement released following his passing, the NEF said: “Graham was a tireless driver for many positive developments within the equine sector and will be sorely missed.”
Image © Craig Payne Photography