Contenders sought for Sir Colin Spedding Award
NOMINATIONS HAVE opened for the Sir Colin Spedding Award, which recognises outstanding work in any area of the equestrian sector.
Presented at the annual National Equine Forum (NEF) held in March, by the Forum President, Princess Anne, this year saw a joint award with Suffolk Punch champion Nigel Oakley and equestrian journalist Eleanor Jones taking the honour.
Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of NEF and held the position for 20 years until his death in 2012.
His aim, and what remains the aim of the Forum, is to ensure representatives from all areas of equestrianism are made welcome and can meet discuss topics of general interest and concern.
This year’s event, which took place just before lockdown was one of the most successful in its 28-year history.
It welcomed more than 200 delegates and a number of prestigious speakers including Andrew and Abigail Turnbull, owners of Richmond Equestrian Centre in North Yorkshire.
The couple shared their experiences of dealing with a Strangles outbreak as part of the Human Behaviour Change session. The event was also livestreamed in 28 countries.
The NEF organising committee is now keen to hear about any equestrian shining stars which deserve to be put forward for this prestigious award in 2021.
Previous winners have included farrier Dr Simon Curtis, fire and rescue pioneer Jim Green, actor Martin Clunes and Sue Martin from Trent Park Equestrian Centre.
For details on how to make a nomination and to submit an entry go to the website www. nationalequineforum.com the closing date is midday on September 7.
The winner will be invited to attend the National Equine Forum in London, where the award will be formally presented on Thursday, March 4, 2021.