Fly-grazing, education and the economic impact of racing are among the key themes that will be discussed at the National Equine Forum, which will take place on 5 March 2015 at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London.
There will be a new format to the day which, the organisers say, will enable even more debate and discussion with panels of speakers and delegates.
The programme will encompass three themes: “The horse industry: reflections and projections”, “The horse industry and the government” and “Further education training opportunities in the UK”.
The horse industry: reflections and projections will explore the results of the latest national equestrian survey, assess the economic impact of racing on the industry during 2013 and look at how participation in equestrianism can be increased.
The horse industry and the government session will include an on-the-ground view of the implementation and enforcement of equine legislation, including fly-grazing and livery yards. Among the speakers on this topic will be Jeanette Allen, Chair of the British Horse Industry Confederation and Steven Gale, Animal Health and Welfare Officer for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
There will then be a discussion between DEFRA and chief veterinary officers, plus a representative from the animal health and welfare board for England, about equine health and welfare in a changing world. This session will cover the tripartite agreement, horsemeat and livery yard licensing.
The final session will examine some of the further education training opportunities in equestrianism in the UK and debate whether we have the right mix.
The day will also include the presentation of the Sir Colin Spedding Award for services to the equine sector.
The forum is held once a year and tickets are available to equestrian trade delegates and equestrian professionals.Tickets cost £100 — for more information email teallen@warkscol.ac.uk or visit www.bef.co.uk/National-Equine-Forum/
