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Rescued pony becomes NEF cover star
Arthur lives at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, a charity in Devon.
Arthur the Shetland will be featured on the 2025 programme.

A rescued Shetland pony called Arthur has won a photography competition to become the cover photo of the National Equine Forum (NEF) programme.

He will now feature on marketing materials for the 33rd National Equine Forum, which will be taking place on Thursday, 6 March 2025.

Arthur lives at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, a charity in Devon, having been found abandoned in a field in the Devon countryside. The charity, founded in 2014, rescues miniature Shetland ponies which have been abandoned, abused or neglected.

His photograph was selected from over 100 equine images from around the world of ponies in their natural environments. Three of the entries have since been accepted by the British Equine Trade Association for its 2025 calendar competition.

As well as featuring on the cover of the NEF 2025 programme and other marketing materials, Arthur has also received a special hamper for his win.

Amy Newton, a volunteer at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, said: “Arthur is a very calm, gentle pony who is extremely empathetic towards other people and horses,”

“We are all so excited that he has won the competition and that we will see his gorgeous face on the NEF programme! Given his lovely temperament he has undergone training to become our flagship therapy and petting pony.

“In short Arthur is an all-round superstar and is very popular with the sponsors of our permanent resident ponies.”

The 33rd National Equine Forum will take place on Thursday, 6 March at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The programme will include discussion into topical issues, networking opportunities and the awarding of this year’s Sir Colin Spedding Award.

NEF publicity officer Sarah Shephard said: “We all agreed that the composition and quality of the photograph of Arthur would make for an excellent cover image for NEF’s 2025 programme,”

“Not forgetting the overall handsomeness of the subject himself! It’s also great to be able to celebrate one of the UK’s precious native breeds in this way.”

Image © Amy Newton/Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue

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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone introduced across Wales

News Story 1
 An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced across Wales.

From 30 January, all bird keepers in Wales must implement strict biosecurity measures to protect poultry and captive birds. This includes a mandatory self-assessment checklist.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency has already introduced AIPZs in Scotland and England, with mandatory housing in some parts of England. The avian influenza interactive map reveals where restrictions are in place, with further information about Wales' AIPZ here. 

Click here for more...
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Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.