The hot topics of Brexit’s impact on the horse industry and the threat of inflated business rates were amongst many subjects keenly debated by a government minister, academics, charities, horse owners and breed society representatives, at the 25th National Equine Forum (NEF) held in London last week. The prevailing refrain was that the industry should continue to pull together and recognise change as opportunity. This year’s event was sold out and had a waiting list, reflecting the growing popularity and importance to the industry of this highly informative, non-partisan event. The National Equine Forum unites leaders, influencers, listeners and debaters to drive discussion on some of today’s most pertinent equestrian matters. This year, as well as speculating on the good and the bad of Brexit and alarming increases in business rates for riding schools and livery yards, the latest progress with the Central Equine Database was presented and the Thoroughbred Health Network was officially ...