NEF opens nominations for 2027 Sir Colin Spedding Award
Dr Chris Riggs was awarded the 2026 Sir Colin Spedding Award.
The National Equine Forum has officially opened nominations for the Sir Colin Spedding Award for 2027.
It will accept nominations of individuals and organisations, whose contributions to the equine sector have not been formally recognised, until 31 July 2026.
The Sir Colin Spedding Award was launched in 2013, honouring the founding chairman of the NEF. Sir Colin chaired the event for over 20 years, ensuring that representatives from across the equine sphere were made welcome and all topics were discussed openly and amicably.
In his memory, the annual award now honours ‘unsung’ individuals and organisations from the equine sector.
Nominations should include no more than 100 words, detailing why the chosen candidate should be considered for the award. Multiple nominations for the same candidate carry no additional merit, and self-nominations will not be accepted.
The winner of last year’s Sir Colin Spedding Award was Dr Chris Riggs FRCVS.
Dr Riggs is director of the Equine Welfare Research Foundation and a chief advisor of mainland veterinary engagement at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The award recognised his dedication to improving equine welfare internationally.
In his nomination, Dr Riggs is described as a ‘force of nature’ who has worked ‘tirelessly’ to advance veterinary education and clinical standards in China and across Asia.
It was Dr Riggs who launched the HKJC’s Equine Welfare Research Foundation, which funds researchers working in equine welfare. There is a particular focus on Thoroughbreds, for which he has tackled a number of equine veterinary challenges.
Dr Riggs said: “I am honoured, humbled and delighted to have won the NEF Sir Colin Spedding Award,”
“Both this prestigious award and the opportunity to present the Memorial Lecture have enabled me to shine a spotlight on some of the great things happening on the Chinese Mainland, as well as some of the challenges there and the growing motivation to enhance equine veterinary care.”
Jane Holderness-Roddam, who chairs the Sir Colin Spedding Award sub-committee, said: “During the past 13 years, the Sir Colin Spedding Award has grown into one of the equestrian sector’s most prestigious accolades. We are incredibly proud to have honoured so many extraordinary individuals and organisations since its inception.
“As we look ahead to 2027, we encourage the community to submit nominations to help us continue to highlight and celebrate those who truly deserve national recognition."
For more information or to make a nomination, visit the NEF website.
Image © NEF
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