National Equine Forum 2019

“A packed auditorium of over 200 delegates, together with an international live stream audience of more than 1200 from around the world, enjoyed a day of knowledge sharing and animated debate at this year’s National Equine Forum, held in London on March 7th.

Lord Gardiner, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity at Defra opened the proceedings with an update on Defra’s current horse-related priorities in relation to Brexit. Defra has been working with the BHS and the British Horse Council to update the Code of Welfare and the licensing of Riding Schools. Defra has also been working closely with the Animal Health Trust on the global #onehealth initiative to mitigate the threats of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.”

In a panel discussion hosted by HRH The Princess Royal about the role of equine charities in the modern world our Chief Executive Jeanette Allen explored the some of the ways that the UK’s equine charities fill a gap in services that are not covered by Governmental or other resources

This year’s Forum covered a range of current issues including;

* Brexit and what it means for the horse industry in practical terms

* Equine health, including the latest information on equine flu

* How to make the most of the Central Equine Database

* The latest thoroughbred welfare racing initiatives

* Preliminary results of the National Equestrian Survey

* Horse and rider fitness

* Equine stereotypical behaviours

* How charities fit into the modern world

All sessions were streamed live to delegates around the world.

These are now available to watch on the NEF’s Youtube channel.