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Winners announced for Sir Colin Spedding Award
The Princess Royal has recognised the work of Amanda Stoddart-West with the NEF award.
Joint winners received the NEF award.

The Sir Colin Spedding Award has been given to joint winners, during a ceremony held at the National Equine Forum (NEF) on 7 March.

This year’s award recognises two recipients, Kirsty Withnall and Amanda Stoddart-West, for their work on equine wellbeing.

Ms Withnall is a case officer for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Starting as an equine officer 23 years ago, Ms Withnall then became a case officer in the charity’s Special Operations Unit (SOU).

She gives uniformed response for the SOU, and conducts specialist criminal investigations into animal cruelty. This has included large-scale operations, involving cooperation across numerous agencies.

Ms Withnall said: "I am honoured and absolutely delighted to receive this extremely prestigious award.

“Through my 23 years working for the RSPCA, I know first-hand how rewarding but also extremely challenging the role can be, so it truly means a great deal to have my work recognised in this way.”

Sharing the award is Amanda Stoddart-West, a livestock and entries coordinator for the Great Yorkshire Show. She has worked on improving equine wellbeing at the show, including initiatives to improve rider to horse weight ratios and warm-up rules.

Ms Stoddart-West’s principles have since been widely adopted across other shows.

She said: “To be honest, I was totally shocked to be told that I had been nominated for the Sir Colin Spedding Award, and incredibly honoured to be a joint winner of such a revered honour.

“There are great efforts going into ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare nationally, and this award is a reflection of all of those who are doing such excellent work in this area.”

Ms Withnall and Ms Stoddart-West were presented with their award by the Princess Royal, who is president of NEF.

The Princess Royal also highly commended Award finalist Anne Dicker, a managing partner of the Catherston Stud. Ms Dicker provides advancing equine groom apprenticeships, as well as training fire responders, developing digital equine ID policy and furthering the principles of the Happy Equine Athlete.

Image © NEF

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."