Nominations are open for the for the National Equine Forum (NEF) Sir Colin Spedding Award 2027. The honour recognises outstanding individuals or organisations whose contributions to the equine sector have not yet been formally recognised. During the past 13 years, the Sir Colin Spedding Award has grown into one of the equestrian sectors most prestigious accolades, said Jane Holderness-Roddam, the Sir Colin Spedding Award sub-committee chair.We are incredibly proud to have honoured so many extraordinary individuals and organisations since its inception. As we look ahead to 2027, we encourage the community to submit nominations to help us continue to highlight and celebrate those who truly deserve national recognition.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 at the Forum, and that topics could be discussed openly and amicably. The Sir Colin Spedding Award was introduced in 2013 in Sir Colins memory and is presented annually at the National Equine Forum. Credit: Shai Dolev Photography www.shaidolev.comA recent winner was Di Arbuthnot, pictured above receiving the Sir Colin Spedding Award in 2025, presented by HRH The Princess Royal, President of the National Equine Forum.The former Chief Executive of the charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) won the award in recognition of her dedication to racehorse welfare.This years winner was Professor Chris Riggs, a dedicated equine welfare ambassador who was recognised for his efforts improving the lives of horses across the globe.Nominations for the 2027 award can be made online via the NEF website, where a checklist can be found detailing rules of submission. Nominations close on 31 July, 2026. The winner will be invited to attend the National Equine Forum in March 2027, where the award will be presented.Lead image by ShutterstockRelated contentLives of horses enhanced thanks to passionate welfare ambassadorLearn to read your horses body language with this adviceSpot signs of anxiety in your horse using the traffic light system and improve your bondHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)The post Do you know an unsung hero of the horse world? Nominations open for prestigious national award appeared first on Your Horse.