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National Equine Forum announces winning photographer
Pictured: The winning photograph (C) Claire Evans Watkin.

Claire Evans Watkin revealed as NEF competition winner.

The National Equine Forum (NEF) has announced the winner of its photography competition, which saw 40 equine photographers go head to head to feature on the programme cover for the 31st National Equine Forum.

With a wide range of images submitted in different styles, the judges received entries from across the UK, as well as Brazil, Canada, America and Norway.

Claire Evans Watkin, from Ceredigion, Wales, has been revealed as this year's winner, with a headshot of her miniature donkey Ziggy.

Craig Payne, NEF's official photographer, chose the winning entry. He discussed why he decided on Claire Evans Watkin's image: “I absolutely love this entry.

“It is bright and colourful and the clouds give intrigue which contrasts nicely with the donkey's big ears and the unusually shaped tree in the distance. 

“The photo has been taken from slightly beneath the donkey and this helps to silhouette it and avoid too much of the grassland, and the fact the donkey is looking down the camera could be said to drive home the point that the Forum is for all equines. 

“This is a key point as we haven't featured a donkey on the cover before.”

On hearing of her win, Claire said: “I am so excited that my picture of Ziggy has been chosen as the winning entry for the National Equine Forum programme cover competition. 

“I have a real passion for photography and Ziggy is a great model. I can’t wait to see him on the cover of the 2023 programme.”

 

Image (C) Claire Evans Watkin

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.