The Horse in Painting and the Museum of the Horse will provide a broader perspective to the Forum's characteristically sharp focus on current political, veterinary, educational and sporting matters presented by experts in their field.

The new art and history spot will be led by John Stainton, International Director for Sporting Art at Christies, who will present an insight into the role of the horse in painting. Caroline Anns-Baldock will follow with a review of the UK's new and first-ever museum of the horse.

Ben Mayes MRCVS will discuss the licensing of UK horse establishments, including sanctuaries and then the Swedish researcher Carolina Liljenstolpe will take a wider view with a report on her recent study on the role of the horse in Europe.

In the veterinary spot Dr Mark Hillyer MRCVS will explore the development of systems to endoscope galloping horses, Dr Pat Harris MRCVS will examine nutrition and gastric ulceration and Professor Chris Proudman FRCVS will take a revealing look at the changing tactics on the management of worms.

The winner of the Eqvalan equine undergraduate thesis of the year will present the winning paper, which will be announced shortly and then Dr Madeleine Campbell MRCVS, will explore the legalities, logistics and welfare issues of the various methods of identifying horses.

On the subject of equestrian sport the British Paralympic dressage chef d’equipe David Hunter will look at training for world-class Paralympics. The popular topical spot in the afternoon will cover the control of exotic diseases and equine flu as well as the training and regulation of paraprofessionals.

With the General Election expected shortly after the Forum, it is hoped that both the Minister for Food, Farming and Environment and the Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs will attend to give their views on such controversial topics as HGV driving hours for full-time workers, the horse tax needed to part-fund the Animal Health Agency, and the Hunting Act.

Renowned as the equestrian networking opportunity of the year the NEF brings together invited leaders from every corner of the equestrian industry to enjoy entertaining, educational presentations and discussions in a prestigious setting. The NEF is well- known for tackling its diverse programme with non-partisan vigour. Participation from the floor is actively encouraged to generate healthy debate. This is one of many aspects that have made the Forum highly popular with paying delegates from the industry.

John Stainton said: "I am delighted to be invited to speak at one of the British equestrian industry’s most important occasions. The horse has always been a key subject in sporting art and through the work of British artists such as Stubbs, Landseer and Munnings I hope to engage the audience in an informative and visually exciting presentation."

The National Equine Forum is chaired by Professor Sir Colin Spedding and is convened by Miles Williamson-Noble. It is usually attended by HRH The Princess Royal, its President, and is supported by the ABRS, BETA, BEF, BHS, BHA, The Blue Cross, Dodson & Horrell, The Donkey Sanctuary, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Jeffress Scholarship Trust, NFU Mutual, South Essex Insurance Brokers, The Horse Trust and World Horse Welfare.

There are a limited number of tickets available for equestrian trade delegates and equestrian professionals at a cost of £100 per person.