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NEF presents 2025 Sir Colin Spedding Award
Di Arbuthnot has worked for over 20 years to create pathways for thoroughbred horses after racing.
Di Arbuthnot was presented the award by the Princess Royal.

The National Equine Forum’s Sir Colin Spedding Award has been presented to Di Arbuthnot, in recognition of her contributions to racehorse welfare.

The award was presented to Ms Arbuthnot by the Princess Royal as part of a ceremony on 6 March 2025.

Ms Arbuthnot is the former chief executive of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), a charity she has led for over 20 years. Through her leadership of the charity, Ms Arbuthnot worked to create a pathway to ensure thoroughbred horses a meaningful life after racing.

She also went on to set up and chair the International Forum for the Aftercare of Horses (IFAR).

The National Equine Forum says that the award recognises Ms Arbuthnot’s foresight, dedication and ability to persuade. It says that Ms Arbuthnot’s dedication has secured comfortable and fulfilling lives for horses after racing training.

Di Arbuthnot said: “I am thrilled to receive this prestigious award, and I would like to thank the National Equine Forum. It was a privilege, 25 years ago, to become part of a charity that has helped many thoroughbreds have another career.
 
“Bringing awareness of their adaptability and their successes has helped change the way those both inside and outside of the industry look at the life of a thoroughbred. It would not have been possible without the commitment and foresight of the chairmen and trustees of RoR, particularly in those early days, as well as the dedication and hard work of a small team; I am delighted to accept this award on their behalf.”

The Sir Colin Spedding Award was launched in 2013, in honour of the founding chairman of the NEF. Sir Colin Spedding chaired the NEF for 20 years, during which time he invited representatives across the equine sector to the forum for open and friendly discussions.

The award was introduced following Sir Colin’s death in 2012, and is presented annually to an unsung hero in the equestrian world. Any individual or organisation from the UK equestrian field is eligible for the award, providing their qualities have not been formally recognised elsewhere before the closing date.

Image © NEF

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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.