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Entries open for equine photography competition
Lorna Elliot's headshot of her Fell pony Greenholme Grey Bobby II was last year's winner.
The winning photo will front the NEF 2025 programme.

The National Equine Forum (NEF) committee has opened entries for its amateur equine photography competition.

The winning photograph will feature on the front of the programme for the 33rd NEF, as well as being used in other contexts. The winner will also be offered either one ticket to the 33rd NEF or a luxury hamper.

This year’s winner will follow in the footsteps of Lorna Elliot. Ms Elliot’s headshot of her Fell pony Greenholme Grey Bobby II was published as the front cover of the NEF 2024 programme.

The competition is open for all amateur photographers to enter. Entrants can submit a picture of their own horse, pony, donkey or mule, or of one they have received permission to photograph.

Entries should include one or more horses, ponies, donkeys or mules, or be a creative headshot or other anatomical area. Photographs can feature the horse’s environment in the background, but should not include an identifiable person.

Sarah Shepherd, NEF honorary publicity officer, said: “This is the third year of our NEF cover star competition.”

“It is fast becoming a highlight on our NEF calendar, as we have been bowled over in previous years, not only with the quantity of entries but also with the wonderful creative quality. It’s a lovely way to celebrate the equestrian world and reflects NEF’s mission to bring the equestrian community together.”

On request, entries for this competition will also be passed onto the British Equestrian Trade Association 2025 Calendar Competition. Out of all the winning entries, one will be named ‘Best in Show’, and will receive a luxury hamper.

There is further information online for both the NEF cover photo competition and the calendar competition.

Image © Lorna Elliot

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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.