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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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Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.