Have you taken a particularly stunning image of your horse or pony? The National Equine Forum (NEF) is inviting amateur photographers to take part in its popular annual competition to find the cover image for its 2026 programme.

Entrants can submit photos of their own horse, pony, donkey or mule — or one that they have permission to photograph — with the winning image featuring on the NEF 2026 programme and across other forum materials.

On request, entries can also be submitted to the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) 2026 calendar competition.

“Our cover star competition is becoming quite renowned,” said NEF honorary publicity officer Sarah Shephard.

“We received more than 100 entries last year and its usually quite a struggle to find a winner, given the creative talent and photographic skill of the participants.

“Judging the entries is a real highlight for the committee and reflects our mission to bring the equestrian community together in celebration of our equine friends.”

Past winners

Last year’s winning image was Amy Newton’s portrait of a rescued Shetland pony called Arthur. Amy is a volunteer at Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue and has “set a high bar” for this year’s entrants.

In 2023, the winner was Claire Evans Watkin, who snapped this great headshot of a miniature donkey.

Images can feature a full animal, a creative headshot or another anatomical detail, with the animal’s environment included if desired.

The only restriction is that no identifiable people may appear in the image.

BETA calendar competition winners will also be considered for a ‘Best in Show’ award, with the overall winner receiving a luxury hamper.

How to enter

Entries can be made on the NEF website, with a deadline of Monday 15 September 2025. Winners will be notified in late October 2025 via email.

Full details, including competition terms and conditions, are available on the NEF website.

Now in its 34th year, this year’s National Equine Forum broke previous attendance records.

It was enjoyed by more than 630 people, with a face-to-face event at Westminster, London, at capacity and a record 417 people watching the livestream from around the world.

The 2026 event will take place on Thursday 5 March.

Related content from the Forum: