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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.