Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th May 2021
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Sir Colin Spedding award presented to Claire Williams
Claire Williams (pictured) is executive director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).

BETA executive director recognised for support of the equine sector during the pandemic.

Executive director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Claire Williams has been presented with this year's National Equine Forum (NEF) Special COVID-19 Sir Colin Spedding Award 2021 by HRH The Princess Royal.

Ms Williams was nominated for the Award in recognition of her hard work to support the equestrian sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This included analysis of Government guidelines and development of protocols which allowed feed merchants, as well as tack shops selling feed and horse care products, to trade legally and continue providing essential safety services.

She was presented with her award by HRH The Princess Royal, who is President of the NEF,  during a special ceremony at Gatcombe Park on 29 April 2021.

Ms Williams said: “I feel deeply honoured, not only to have won the award but also for it to have been presented to me by HRH The Princess Royal. The past 12 months have been a challenge for the industry and I was pleased to have been able to play my part in providing support to BETA members and members of the wider equestrian community through this difficult time.

“This award actually belongs not just to me but to my colleagues at BETA, whose support has been invaluable.”

The annual Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced in 2013 to recognise someone working in the equestrian world who has gone above and beyond in their work.

The NEF Organising Committee have adapted this year's award to celebrate those who provided support and guidance during the pandemic. It will return to its original format in 2022.

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Award. The closing date is midday on Saturday 31 July 2021. To find out more please visit the NEF website.

Image (c) Bob Langrish.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."