Dressage rider Laura Bechtolsheimer is the latest star to be added to the British Horse Society’s (BHS) Equestrian Hall of Fame.
A ceremony to mark the occasion was held at the Household Cavalry’s Knightsbridge Barracks yesterday, 10 November.
Laura said: “It’s a great honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame – especially when I was able to see the plaques of all the other laureates and the other members of the Hall of Fame who received their certificates today.
“I feel a little bit humbled,” she added.
This year Laura has risen to world number two and was part of the gold medal winning British team at the European Championships in Rotterdam, where she took individual bronze.
Eventer Mary Gordon-Watson and showjumper Marion Mould also attended the ceremony to collect their certificates.
Mary is a British, European, World and Olympic eventing champion, claiming team gold at the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
Olympic silver medalist Marion was also collecting a certificate on behalf of Stroller her 14.2hh mount who helped Britain win three Nations Cups, the President’s Cup and the World Championships.
BHS Chairman Dr Phil Wadey headed the selection committee this year and the panel of existing laureates comprised Liz Edgar, Robert Oliver, Carl Hester, H&H contributor Lucinda Green and H&H editor Lucy Higginson.
The Equestrian Hall of Fame was launched in July 2005 to celebrate the heroes and heroines – human and equine – of the equestrian world.
The hall now has 42 horsemen and 25 horses including the likes of Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Milton and Over to You.
Members of the public can 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
