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NEF presents 2025 Sir Colin Spedding Award
Di Arbuthnot has worked for over 20 years to create pathways for thoroughbred horses after racing.
Di Arbuthnot was presented the award by the Princess Royal.

The National Equine Forum’s Sir Colin Spedding Award has been presented to Di Arbuthnot, in recognition of her contributions to racehorse welfare.

The award was presented to Ms Arbuthnot by the Princess Royal as part of a ceremony on 6 March 2025.

Ms Arbuthnot is the former chief executive of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), a charity she has led for over 20 years. Through her leadership of the charity, Ms Arbuthnot worked to create a pathway to ensure thoroughbred horses a meaningful life after racing.

She also went on to set up and chair the International Forum for the Aftercare of Horses (IFAR).

The National Equine Forum says that the award recognises Ms Arbuthnot’s foresight, dedication and ability to persuade. It says that Ms Arbuthnot’s dedication has secured comfortable and fulfilling lives for horses after racing training.

Di Arbuthnot said: “I am thrilled to receive this prestigious award, and I would like to thank the National Equine Forum. It was a privilege, 25 years ago, to become part of a charity that has helped many thoroughbreds have another career.
 
“Bringing awareness of their adaptability and their successes has helped change the way those both inside and outside of the industry look at the life of a thoroughbred. It would not have been possible without the commitment and foresight of the chairmen and trustees of RoR, particularly in those early days, as well as the dedication and hard work of a small team; I am delighted to accept this award on their behalf.”

The Sir Colin Spedding Award was launched in 2013, in honour of the founding chairman of the NEF. Sir Colin Spedding chaired the NEF for 20 years, during which time he invited representatives across the equine sector to the forum for open and friendly discussions.

The award was introduced following Sir Colin’s death in 2012, and is presented annually to an unsung hero in the equestrian world. Any individual or organisation from the UK equestrian field is eligible for the award, providing their qualities have not been formally recognised elsewhere before the closing date.

Image © NEF

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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."