Search Begins For The #NEF27 Programme Cover Image
3 weeks ago 
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The National Equine Forum (NEF) is inviting amateur equine photographers to submit their finest work for the chance to feature on the cover of the #NEF26 programme.
Open to amateur photographers, the competition celebrates the art of photography in capturing the character, presence and beauty of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Submissions may be of the photographer’s own equines or those that they have been given permission to photograph, subject to terms and conditions. *
Photographers may also choose to have their image entered into the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) 2027 calendar competition, providing a further opportunity for their work to be recognised.
“Our cover image has become an important part of NEF,” said NEF Honorary Publicity Officer Sarah Shephard. “Each year we receive an extraordinary collection of images that reflect not only technical and artistic skills but also a genuine understanding of the horse. The competition is a wonderful reminder of the depth of talent within the equestrian community and choosing a single winner is never easy.”
The winner will follow in the footsteps of Ellie Taylor’s harmonious shot of a pair of horses contentedly grazing together, which won the NEF26 competition. The winning image will feature on the programme cover for the 35th National Equine Forum, which takes place on Thursday 4th March 2027 (#NEF27), as well as in other #NEF27 contexts.
The image should be of a horse, pony, donkey or mule (singular or multiple), or a creative headshot or other anatomical area. It can also feature the horse’s environment in the background. It should not include any image of an identifiable person. Entries will be judged using the following criteria: composition, clarity, originality, audience appeal, and suitability for purpose, with the winner notified in late October 2026 via email.
Entrants will also be given the opportunity for their image and details to be passed to the BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) 2027 Calendar Competition. From all the winning entries for the calendar competition, one image will be judged Best in Show and the successful entrant will receive a luxury hamper. Further details can be found here https://beta-uk.org/news-events/beta-calendar-competition/
To enter the NEF programme cover star competition visit https://www.nationalequineforum.com/cover-image/ The deadline for entries is Wednesday 16th September 2026. Terms & Conditions apply.
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