BHS Awards
Friday, November 04, 2005
The British Horse Society awards its top volunteers at glittering ceremony
The British Horse Society today (Thursday, November 3) showed its appreciation to the voluntary groups and individuals who have supported the leading equestrian charity's work - at an awards ceremony in London.
The BHS presented 15 awards to individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution in training, education, safety, access and welfare at the event at Saddlers Hall, City of London.
The prestigious awards - presented by the Society's Chairman Patrick Print - highlighted the tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure a better understanding of equestrian needs.
Mr Print, a Fellow of the British Horse Society, said: "The BHS would fail tomorrow if we lost the support of our volunteers. But even this select group cannot get by without help from others.
"Time and again we come across local authorities, private companies, educational establishments and all manner of other people and organisations who give our work a real boost."
Leading equestrian Stephen Clarke also received the BHS Honorary Fellowship which had been awarded in January this year. Stephen began his riding career with the Pony Club, and soon progressed to competing in show jumping and horse trials at a high level before deciding to focus on dressage.
He competed with international success throughout the 1980s, and now, as an International Trainer, travels regularly throughout the UK and abroad presenting training clinics.
Based in Cheshire, Stephen specialises in the development of young professional trainers. Over the past decade, he has been a FEI Official International Judge, and has judged at prestigious events such as the Worlds Equestrian Games in Jerez, and, most recently, the Athens Olympics.
Here's a full list of the other award winners:
Access Award
For the BHS member who has done most for equestrian access
Mrs Pat Clarke (posthumous award), Bedfordshire (being collected by her husband Mr Philip Clarke)
Access Award
For the public agency which has done most for equestrian access
Scottish Natural Heritage
Access Award
For the Local Authority most active in opening up equestrian routes
West Berkshire Council
Access Award
For the National Park which has been most active in opening up equestrian routes
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority
Access Award
For the Best Carriage Driving facility
Crychan Forest Association
The Bodynfoel Award
For the person who has done the most to promote The British Horse Society
Mr Barry Fehler, South Essex Insurance Brokers
The Lady Elizabeth Kirk Award
For the best voluntary dedication of a bridleway
Tarmac Ltd, North Yorkshire
Leo Harris Award
For outstanding service to the Riding Clubs movement
Mrs Val Malka, Warwickshire
Mrs Jill Hillyard, Suffolk
Safety Award
For the person, persons or community group who have done most to promote equestrian safety
The London Borough of Merton
Sefton Awards
For services to the cause of equestrian safety
Mrs Barbie Clarke, Wiltshire
Mr Peter Hern, Hertfordshire
Miss Kim Knightley, North Humberside
BHS Silver Stirrup
In recognition of support for young riders
Mrs Val Allen, Cardiff
Trainers Award
For outstanding contribution to equestrian training
Mrs Judy Harvey FBHS, Milton Keynes
Welfare Award
For outstanding dedication to Equine Welfare
Mrs Vivian McIrvine, Warwickshire
(being represented by her son, Mr Jonathan McIrvine)
Welfare Award
For extraordinary assistance by others to Equine Welfare
Mr Chris Aegerter, Lingfield
Welfare Award
For best achievement to advance welfare of all equines
Professor Derek Knottenbelt OBE, Liverpool
