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Tributes paid to Prof R.H. Graham Suggett OBE
Prof Suggett with HRH The Princess Royal.
NEF co-founder and celebrated educator has died.

The National Equine Forum (NEF) has paid tribute to Prof R.H. Graham Suggett OBE, who passed away on 7 November at the age of 87 following a long illness.

Prof Suggett co-founded the NEF alongside Prof Sir Colin Spedding OBE and Arthur George MBE, with the first forum taking place in 1993. He held the post of convenor from 1998 to 2008 and became an honorary fellow of the forum in 2015.

The annual event, presided over by HRH The Princess Royal, brings together members of the equestrian industry and experts to address and debate important issues in the sector.

As well as his role in the NEF, Prof Suggett greatly contributed to the equine sector in his work as principal of Warwickshire College (Moreton Morrell). In the mid-1970s, he launched the first full-time further education course in equine management. The course later developed into the first equine degree in the UK.

He was awarded an OBE in 1994 for services to agricultural education and conservation.

After retiring from Warwickshire College, he served as director of equine development and breeding at the British Equestrian Federation and as chairman of the National Equine Database.

In a statement released following his passing, the NEF said: “Graham was a tireless driver for many positive developments within the equine sector and will be sorely missed.”

Image © 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.