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Nominations open for Sir Colin Spedding Award
Pictured: Imran Atcha, winner of the 2022 Sir Colin Spedding Award with HRH The Princess Royal.

Award celebrates unsung equine heroes. 

Nominations have opened for the National Equine Forum's (NEF) Sir Colin Spedding Award 2023.

Introduced in 2013 in memory of the late Sir Colin Spedding, the award recognises an unsung star in the equine world annually, one who has never yet won any awards in recognition of their work. 

Founding chairman of the NEF, Sir Colin chaired the event for 20 years until his death in 2012, and as his commemorative award suggests, he advocated for representatives of all areas of the equine community were welcomed and supported at the NEF. 

Jane Holderness-Roddam, the Sir Colin Spedding Award sub-committee Chair, commented: “During the past decade the Sir Colin Spedding Award has become one of the most coveted accolades within the equestrian sector. 

“Not least because it gives those who have otherwise hidden their light under a bushel, the time to truly shine.”

To nominate an individual for the Award, visit the NEF website and write no more than 100 words explaining why your chosen candidate should be considered.

Nominations must be made before 31 July 2022, and anyone submitting a nomination should ensure that they have read the checklist beforehand.

IMAGE (C) Craig Payne 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.