BGA Shortlisted For Prestigious Award

The National Equine Forum (NEF) has announced the shortlist for its prestigious Sir Colin Spedding Award 2018 and includes the BGA as one of the finalists.

The Sir Colin Spedding Award is presented annually to an exceptional equestrian individual or organisation whose outstanding qualities have not been formally acknowledged previously. Two commendable nominees have been selected this year: Farrier Simon Curtis FWCF and the BGA. The winner will be announced at the NEF on Thursday 8th March 2018.

Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired the event for 20 years until his death in 2012. He ensured that representatives of all areas of the equine sphere were made welcome to the Forum, and that topics of general interest and concern could be discussed openly and amicably.

The Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced in 2013 in Sir Colin’s memory. It is presented annually to an exceptional unsung hero or heroine of the equestrian world. Any individual or organisation from any equestrian field in the UK is eligible, as long as their outstanding qualities have not been formally acknowledged elsewhere.

Dr Simon Curtis FWCF has been a practicing farrier in Newmarket, England for 45 years. He has lectured and demonstrated farriery in 30 countries on six continents including the USA, Australia, India, Russia, and Brazil. He has published three text books on farriery and has been published in numerous journals. Simon is the only farrier awarded an Honorary Associate by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (2002). Simon continues to practice farriery, teach and write.

The BGA was launched in 2007. The idea for such an association was sparked in 2003, when international groom Lucy Katan was invited to speak at the National Equine Forum. Lucy passionately highlighted the challenges for the 1000’s of grooms that are the backbone of our equestrian industry.

The BGA is a professional association with a membership of circa 1700 and growing. Over the past 11 years it has significantly raised the recognition of the role of the groom and has seen a multitude of groom awards born. The BGA has singlehandedly raised the awareness of the importance of legal and good employment in the equestrian industry.

Lucy Katan said, "The team at the BGA is absolutely delighted to have been nominated for this award. Just to be recognised for the contribution the BGA has made to the industry is incredible. When I founded the BGA part of what I wanted to, and still strive to, achieve is recognition for grooms and grooming as a profession, so it is a great honour that we ourselves have been recognised."

The Sir Colin Spedding Award committee will select the winner from the shortlisted candidates, to be announced at the 26th National Equine Forum on Thursday 8th March 2018.

This year’s NEF programme includes the latest on the central equine database, challenges facing small equestrian businesses, equine welfare in British racing, what’s new in equestrian safety and the latest news on rider weight research. In addition Jim Green will be giving the Memorial Lecture on equine emergency rescue.

Tickets are available to equestrian trade delegates and equestrian professionals. The first ticket purchased by an individual or organisation will cost £50; subsequent tickets for the same organisation will cost £100. The ticket price includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day. To apply or to find out how you could enjoy the privilege of becoming a Friend of the Forum please email info@nationalequineforum.com.

For further information on the NEF click here.