The National Equine Forum Organising Committee is proud to announce the generous support of 19 event sponsors for the forthcoming NEF26, to be held on in London on 5th March 2026.
NEF is the UK's foremost annual independent equestrian conference, bringing together equestrian experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts, to present on and debate the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the equine sector.
A not-for-profit event, organised by a committee of volunteers, NEF is made possible through the invaluable support of sponsors who share a commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and facilitating networking across the sector.
· Gold sponsors include long term supporters Blue Cross; The British Horse Society; Equine Register; The Horse Trust and World Horse Welfare together with new sponsor for this year: Hartpury University
· Silver sponsors include long term supporters British Equestrian; British Equine Veterinary Association; British Horseracing Authority; Horserace Betting Levy Board; The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and the RSPCA
· Bronze sponsors include long term supporters: British Equestrian Trade Association; The Donkey Sanctuary; Redwings Horse Sanctuary; SEIB Insurance Brokers and Weatherbys e Passport, with new sponsor for this year The Saddlers’ Company.
“We are extremely grateful for the support shown by our long term and our new sponsors this year,” said Tim Brigstocke, Chair of NEF. “Their generous investment enables us to continue to deliver what has become a highly regarded event on the equestrian calendar across the UK’s equine sector and in fact worldwide. We are especially delighted to welcome our new sponsors this year and very much hope they will enjoy and benefit from the day.”
What the new sponsors are saying about their support for NEF:
Blue Cross
Iain Heaton, Deputy CEO of Blue Cross, said: “The National Equine Forum is an essential forum for uniting stakeholders across the equine sector to confront the challenges facing our industry and to drive meaningful, collective solutions.
“As one of the UK’s leading equine welfare charities, Blue Cross supported more than 1,200 horses and their owners in 2025. We recognise the National Equine Forum as a critical vehicle for sector-wide collaboration and remain firmly committed to working alongside partners to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for all equines.”
Equine Register
Stewart Everett, Equine Register said: “Equine Register is proud to sponsor NEF26 and to support the vital role the Forum plays in shaping informed debate, sharing best practice, and driving practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing the equine industry. We look forward to engaging with colleagues from across the sector and, in particular, to discussing developments around the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the EU, and the opportunities it presents for innovation, resilience, and growth.”
Hartpury University
Catherine Porter, Head of Department Equine Sciences at Hartpury said: “Hartpury is delighted to be a sponsor of NE26 as it's a brilliant showcase with comparable goals to share educational, important and contemporary information with as many members of the equestrian sector as possible. This enables us all to support knowledge exchange and progression across the industry. All with a horse first approach."
The Saddlers’ Company
Philip Napier OBE, Clerk to the Saddlers’ Company said: “The Saddlers’ Company is dedicated to supporting the UK saddlery trade and promoting horse welfare through education, fitting standards, and industry collaboration. Supporting the NEF is a key pillar in the delivery of such objectives.”
This year’s NEF is expected to attract more than 600 participants, both in person and via the livestream. A robust programme will cover topical aspects of equine health and welfare, the role of pre-purchase examinations and technological advancements within the equine industry as well as The Sir Colin Spedding Memorial Lecture and Award 2026 presentation.
A VERY limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain. To find out more please contact info@nationalequineforum.com
Tickets for the face-to-face event are now available, and registration for the free live streaming is open.
Stay updated by subscribing to the NEF mailing list for announcements on the full line up of speakers, sessions, and agenda details.