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Renowned farrier wins Sir Colin Spedding Award
Dr Simon Curtis receiving the Sir Colin Spedding Award, presented by HRH The Princess Royal, president of the National Equine Forum.

Dr Simon Curtis recognised for his contributions to the profession

Newmarket farrier Dr Simon Curtis received the Sir Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum on Thursday (8 March) in recognition of his contributions to the profession.

During his 45-year career, Dr Curtis has lectured on and demonstrated farriery in 30 countries in six continents, including Australia, India, Russia, the USA and Brazil.

He has also written three textbooks on farriery, contributed to numerous journals and, in 2002, became the only farrier to be awarded an Honorary Associate by the RCVS.

Commenting on his award, Simon said that he was both surprised and delighted to have won. “I take it as a recognition that good farriery and increased farriery science is acknowledged as contributing to equine health and performance,” he said.

The Sir Colin Spedding Award is presented each year to an exceptional unsung hero or heroine of the equestrian world. Introduced in 2013 in memory of Sir Colin, a leading academic and animal welfare expert, the award is open to any individual or organisation from any equestrian field, provided that their qualities have not been recognised elsewhere.

The award was presented to Dr Curtis by HRH The Princess Royal, who is president of the National Equine Forum. Previous recipients of the award include Jim Green, pioneer of equine rescue methodology and training (2017), and Sue Martin BHSII who runs Trent Park Equestrian Centre (2016). 

Image (C) National Equine Forum

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.