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Nominations open for Sir Colin Spedding Award
Pictured: Imran Atcha, winner of the 2022 Sir Colin Spedding Award with HRH The Princess Royal.

Award celebrates unsung equine heroes. 

Nominations have opened for the National Equine Forum's (NEF) Sir Colin Spedding Award 2023.

Introduced in 2013 in memory of the late Sir Colin Spedding, the award recognises an unsung star in the equine world annually, one who has never yet won any awards in recognition of their work. 

Founding chairman of the NEF, Sir Colin chaired the event for 20 years until his death in 2012, and as his commemorative award suggests, he advocated for representatives of all areas of the equine community were welcomed and supported at the NEF. 

Jane Holderness-Roddam, the Sir Colin Spedding Award sub-committee Chair, commented: “During the past decade the Sir Colin Spedding Award has become one of the most coveted accolades within the equestrian sector. 

“Not least because it gives those who have otherwise hidden their light under a bushel, the time to truly shine.”

To nominate an individual for the Award, visit the NEF website and write no more than 100 words explaining why your chosen candidate should be considered.

Nominations must be made before 31 July 2022, and anyone submitting a nomination should ensure that they have read the checklist beforehand.

IMAGE (C) Craig Payne Photography

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.