The National Equine Forum has announced an exciting and practical programme to celebrate its 30th birthday in March 2022. Currently the intention is to hold a hybrid event at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), with a reduced number of attendees and the opportunity for others to join via the livestreaming, on Thursday 3 March 2022.
The day will include a special celebratory review of the past 30 years of the National Equine Forum as well as consideration of what the next 30 years may have in store. Other highlights include a debate on workforce sustainability within the equine sector, Defra’s view of the industry, a look at equine herd health status and the latest on anthelmintic resistance.
Tim Brigstocke, chairman of the National Equine Forum said: “In this, our 30th year, and a time at which the industry continues to face challenges imposed by the pandemic, we have tried to cover important practical issues within the sector as well as sharing the latest knowledge and news. We hope the day will be engaging, informative and fun and that our hybrid format will once again broaden our reach around the globe.”
The “Equine Industry in a Changing World” session will include contributions from The Rt Hon Lord Benyon, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Defra, Robert Huey, chief veterinary officer northern Ireland executive and Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland, Dr Martin Blake.
“Equine Health” will see David Mountford, chair of the British Horse Council and Dr Richard Newton discussing topical aspects of disease prevention and control.
“Workforce sustainability in the equine sector” will deliver a real-world insight into the roles of humans and horses with contributions from the British Grooms Association, the Equestrian Employers Association, the racing industry and riding schools, along with equestrian colleges and universities. The session will close with a panel discussion and questions from the audience.
“Equine anthelmintic resistance” will take a detailed look at the growing threat of resistance to the equine wormers that we have available with presentations from Dr Claire Stratford and Dr Alison Pyatt at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. The responsibilities of owners, vets, and RAMAs/SQPs in helping to slow resistance will then be discussed, with the inclusion of case studies and opportunities for delegate participation via Slido.
“Breeding changes in the last 30 years” will be explored by Tullis Matson in the Memorial lecture.
The day will close with the announcement of the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2022 winner.
Q&A opportunities have been built in at the end of all the main sessions to give the audience a chance to engage with the discussions. Questions can be submitted quickly and easily via Slido from Monday 28 February 2022. You can find out more on the NEF website.
Tickets to the livestream are available now via the NEF website and Eventbrite.
“Just in Time – Using Science to Save our Breeds” and “The Great Weight Debate (Equine)” are the two special interest webinars held in January 2021 are now available to watch on YouTube.
To find out how you could enjoy the privilege of becoming a sponsor, corporate friend or friend of the National Equine Forum email in.
