Thursday, 05 February 2026
A stellar line up of speakers has been confirmed for the 34th National Equine Forum, which will take place in London on Thursday, 5 March 2026.
NEF is one of the UK’s most important platforms for debate on issues affecting the equestrian sector, bringing together experts, policymakers, industry leaders and equestrian enthusiasts.
Speakers this year will include a government minister, leading veterinary professionals and senior industry figures, who will share insights on advancements and challenges in equine health, management, welfare and environmental responsibility. For those who are unable to attend on the day the event will also be livestreamed.
“At a time when regulatory decisions, environmental changes and technological innovation are having an increasing impact on the equestrian sector, the National Equine Forum provides a vital bridge between government, the veterinary profession and those working at the sharp end,” said Tim Brigstocke, Chair of NEF. “Our outstanding line up of speakers will be addressing some of the most pertinent critical issues, grounded in evidence and informed by practical experience.”
Chaired by David Mountford, Chief Executive of the British Equine Veterinary Association, this panel takes a practical look at the modern Pre‑Purchase Examination (PPE). The discussion brings together Dr Mark Georgetti, Dr Lucy Grieve, Dr Sam Cutts and Julia Martin, drawing on their respective areas of specialism; clinical experience, policy development, legal dispute and professional selling. The panel will explore where vettings can go wrong, how expectations and responsibilities have shifted, and what this means for the horse industry. They will ask whether the PPE system can evolve to better protect horses, buyers, sellers and vets alike – and, if so, what change could look like.
This comprehensive session, chaired by Roly Owers, National Equine Forum Organising Committee member, will include contributions from Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State) and Dr June Fanning Chief Veterinary Officer for Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine. Dr Katie Williams, Technical Manager, Dengie Horse Feeds, will round off the session by considering the implications of changes to our weather and climate on those producing forage for horses.
Dr Richard Newton, Director of Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance, University of Cambridge will chair a series of equine health risk updates, including a panel discussion. Dr Hattie Bell, Veterinary Epidemiologist at Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS), University of Cambridge will give a short presentation on the latest infectious disease risks. Professor Jane Hodgkinson from the University of Liverpool will cover the most recent knowledge on anthelmintic resistance and Dr Philip Ivens of Buckingham Equine Vets will discuss the threat of antimicrobial resistance, including BEVA’s MonitorMe initiative which is designed to track and analyse antibiotic usage data across UK equine practices.
Professor Tim Parkin, President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, will chair an exploration into the rapidly growing role of AI in equine health and welfare. Dr Liz Cresswell, Veterinary Lead at Vet Vision AI will look at how AI is being used to measure positive welfare in the cattle sector. Pip Young, a PhD student at Bristol Veterinary School, will present the outputs from a recent equine sector AI workshop. Professor Sarah Freeman of the University of Nottingham will explore how AI can help us improve the health and welfare of horses through the ability to monitor and process large amounts of clinical and behavioural data. Maj Graham Harvey, a serving Army Veterinary Officer, will close the session by considering what AI looks like in action.
Chaired by Sarah Jenkins, Editor-in-Chief of Horse & Hound this series of short and sharp presentations will cover; the social value of equestrianism from Abbie Bevan, Insight and Research Manager at British Equestrian; an update on proposed fireworks legislation from Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns and Policy Manager at Redwings Horse Sanctuary; a review of the success of the Blue Cross Home Direct scheme by Sally Foskett, Horse Operations Manager at Blue Cross; an explanation of the livery yard benchmarking system by Cheryl Johns, founder of LiveryList and the Yard Owner Hub.
The day will end with the Memorial Lecture, which will take the form of an interview with Professor Chris Riggs, Director, Equine Welfare Research Foundation & Chief Advisor, Mainland Veterinary Engagement, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and chaired by Dr Naomi Mellor, Chief Executive of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. The winner the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026 will then be announced.
Q&A opportunities have been built in at the end of all the main sessions to give the audience and the livestream viewers a chance to engage with the discussions.
Tickets for the face-to-face event are now available, and registration for the free live streaming is open https://nationalequineforum.com/forum-2026/
Education tickets for the afternoon of the live event are available at £30.00 / person, upon application and eligibility – please email info@nationalequineforum.com.
Stay updated by subscribing to the NEF mailing list for announcements on the full line up of speakers, sessions, and agenda details.
Images: Shai Dolev Photography - www.shaidolev.com