Professor Chris Riggs, FRCVS, director Equine Welfare Research Foundation and chief advisor, mainland veterinary engagement, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), won the Sir Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum (NEF).
The award was given in honour of Professor Riggs’s dedication to improving equine welfare internationally.
NEF delegates were treated to a detailed insight into his work in China, as he also delivered the Memorial Lecture this year, entitled Changing priorities: The horse in China – evolving values and progress in equine veterinary care, via an interview with Dr Naomi Mellor MRCVS, Chief executive of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.
Described by his Award nominator as a ‘force of nature,’ Professor Riggs has worked tirelessly to advance veterinary education and clinical standards in China and across Asia. Through scholarships, advocacy, and the founding of the Equine Welfare Research Foundation, his impact has strengthened the care of horses globally.
Professor Riggs has worked for the HKJC for more than 20 years. He led the creation of the HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation, to provide funding to researchers working in the field of equine welfare, focusing on the Thoroughbred racehorse. He still directs the Foundation today.
During the Memorial Lecture Chris shared his passion for promoting the welfare of horses, especially Thoroughbreds. He explained aspects of his work in China to tackle some of the equine veterinary challenges on behalf of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Professor Riggs said: “I am honoured, humbled and delighted to have won the NEF Sir Colin Spedding Award.
“Both this prestigious Award and the opportunity to present the Memorial Lecture have enabled me to shine a spotlight on some of the great things happening on the Chinese Mainland, as well as some of the challenges there and the growing motivation to enhance equine veterinary care.
“I wish to emphasise that everything I have done has been made possible by the commitment of the Hong Kong Jockey Club to promoting high quality equestrian sport and equine welfare.”
The sessions from NEF26 will be released on the NEF YouTube channel soon.
Click here to find out more.
