BHS Hall Of Fame
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Eight more greats inducted into The British Horse Society Hall of Fame
Five great riders and three horses were today (Tuesday, 22 November) inducted into The British Horse Society Equestrian Hall of Fame.
Dressage stars Lee Pearson MBE and Carl Hester, top show jumper John Whitaker MBE, and Event riders Pippa Funnell MBE and Lucinda Green MBE joined the 15 existing laureates in the Hall of Fame, while famous horses Primmore's Pride (Pippa Funnell's former mount), Arko III (ridden by Nick Skelton) and Shear H2O (ridden by Olympic Gold medallist Leslie Law) joined the 13 existing equine laureates.
British Horse Society President Noel Edmonds said: "I am honoured to be able to reveal the new laureates for the BHS's Equestrian Hall of Fame.
Each has made a remarkable contribution to the horse world and won the affection and loyalty of people who love horses."
The laureates were selected by a panel chaired by Chairman Patrick Print FBHS and also comprising Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer, Michael Clayton, Lucy Higginson, Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Michael Mac. The panel considered a large number of nominations made by members of the public.
Two of the new laureates, Lee Pearson and John Whitaker, and five of the laureates who were admitted to the Hall of Fame in July, are today to collect certificates to mark their induction at a luncheon, sponsored by South Essex Insurance Brokers, at the Cavalry and Guards Club, Piccadilly, London.
Mr Print said: "Once again the tough thing was deciding who to leave out.
The world of equestrianism would simply not be the same without the great achievements of Pippa Funnell, Lucinda Green, Carl Hester, Lee Pearson and John Whitaker, or the tremendous performances of Arko III, Primmore's Pride, and Shear H2O. We're proud of them all."
Lee Pearson said: "It's a great honour. The moment I think my life is getting back to normality something wonderful and surreal like this happens. It feels unbelievable to get an award for taking part in the sport you love. It is also great for a Paralympic rider to be recognised in this way."
Members of the public can still cast their votes to nominate equestrians and horses as laureates in the BHS Equestrian Hall of Fame. Suggestions should be emailed to HallofFame@bhs.org.uk.
