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Equine friends win competition to become cover stars
“Ellie’s picture is a gorgeous reflection of perfect harmony between two field companions" - Sarah Shephard. 

Robbie and Tilly will feature on the NEF programme. 

A photograph of a pair of horses grazing together has been selected as the winner of the National Equine Forum (NEF) photography competition. 

The winning picture was taken by Ellie Taylor and will feature on the programme cover for next year’s NEF (5 March).

Ellie’s image was one of a number of beautiful equine pictures submitted by amateur photographers from around the world. 

Stunning vistas from ‘between the ears’ of grazing horses and ponies and windswept mountains and moorlands were just some of the captivating photographs judges received.

The winning picture features Ellie’s bay gelding and ex-racehorse, Robbie, and her best friend’s appaloosa mare, Tilly. Following their retirement, the pair lived together for a while in Devon and have become the best of friends. 

Ellie said of her win: “I loved looking after Robbie and Tilly as they started retired life together – they had a special bond so it’s lovely that this moment has made the front cover of the NEF programme.

“They are both continuing their (hopefully) happy retirements, albeit now in different herds in different counties.”

NEF publicity officer Sarah Shephard, said: “Ellie’s picture is a gorgeous reflection of perfect harmony between two field companions. 

“It’s the first time we have featured two horses on the NEF programme. We feel that Robbie and Tilly are very deserving of this accolade, not least because they look so content together, showing the joy of companionship.”

Image (C) Ellie Taylor.


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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.