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Equine friends win competition to become cover stars
“Ellie’s picture is a gorgeous reflection of perfect harmony between two field companions" - Sarah Shephard. 

Robbie and Tilly will feature on the NEF programme. 

A photograph of a pair of horses grazing together has been selected as the winner of the National Equine Forum (NEF) photography competition. 

The winning picture was taken by Ellie Taylor and will feature on the programme cover for next year’s NEF (5 March).

Ellie’s image was one of a number of beautiful equine pictures submitted by amateur photographers from around the world. 

Stunning vistas from ‘between the ears’ of grazing horses and ponies and windswept mountains and moorlands were just some of the captivating photographs judges received.

The winning picture features Ellie’s bay gelding and ex-racehorse, Robbie, and her best friend’s appaloosa mare, Tilly. Following their retirement, the pair lived together for a while in Devon and have become the best of friends. 

Ellie said of her win: “I loved looking after Robbie and Tilly as they started retired life together – they had a special bond so it’s lovely that this moment has made the front cover of the NEF programme.

“They are both continuing their (hopefully) happy retirements, albeit now in different herds in different counties.”

NEF publicity officer Sarah Shephard, said: “Ellie’s picture is a gorgeous reflection of perfect harmony between two field companions. 

“It’s the first time we have featured two horses on the NEF programme. We feel that Robbie and Tilly are very deserving of this accolade, not least because they look so content together, showing the joy of companionship.”

Image (C) Ellie Taylor.


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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.