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Rescued pony becomes NEF cover star
Arthur lives at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, a charity in Devon.
Arthur the Shetland will be featured on the 2025 programme.

A rescued Shetland pony called Arthur has won a photography competition to become the cover photo of the National Equine Forum (NEF) programme.

He will now feature on marketing materials for the 33rd National Equine Forum, which will be taking place on Thursday, 6 March 2025.

Arthur lives at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, a charity in Devon, having been found abandoned in a field in the Devon countryside. The charity, founded in 2014, rescues miniature Shetland ponies which have been abandoned, abused or neglected.

His photograph was selected from over 100 equine images from around the world of ponies in their natural environments. Three of the entries have since been accepted by the British Equine Trade Association for its 2025 calendar competition.

As well as featuring on the cover of the NEF 2025 programme and other marketing materials, Arthur has also received a special hamper for his win.

Amy Newton, a volunteer at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue, said: “Arthur is a very calm, gentle pony who is extremely empathetic towards other people and horses,”

“We are all so excited that he has won the competition and that we will see his gorgeous face on the NEF programme! Given his lovely temperament he has undergone training to become our flagship therapy and petting pony.

“In short Arthur is an all-round superstar and is very popular with the sponsors of our permanent resident ponies.”

The 33rd National Equine Forum will take place on Thursday, 6 March at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The programme will include discussion into topical issues, networking opportunities and the awarding of this year’s Sir Colin Spedding Award.

NEF publicity officer Sarah Shephard said: “We all agreed that the composition and quality of the photograph of Arthur would make for an excellent cover image for NEF’s 2025 programme,”

“Not forgetting the overall handsomeness of the subject himself! It’s also great to be able to celebrate one of the UK’s precious native breeds in this way.”

Image © Amy Newton/Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue

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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...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

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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.