Top instructor wins ABRS Golden Spur
Patsy Pike, a riding instructor at Underhill Riding Stables in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, has surpassed more than 20 short-listed entries to win the inaugural Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) Golden Spur trophy.
The ABRS launched the Golden Spur Award this year to acknowledge the best instructors working at ABRS member schools. A panel of experienced judges formally assessed the short-listed nominees in business discussions as well as while teaching a group lesson and a private lesson.
Patsy was recognised as having the perfect combination of quality instruction, commercial acumen and endless enthusiasm for her work. She has won free entry to an ABRS exam of her choosing, worth up to £200, as well as the Golden Spur trophy.
Kath Bufton, proprietor of Underhill Riding Stables, has known Patsy for 20 years and nominated her for the award. She says: “Patsy puts all her effort into teaching anyone, at any level, at any time. She has a longstanding and undying enthusiasm to teach, organise and learn for herself, in order to pass on knowledge. She is consistent, true to her word and never lets you down. Patsy is a rare gem that is a pleasure to have around.”
Dawn Elliot-Moulden ABRS ATD from Contessa Riding Centre in Hertfordshire was the runner up, receiving a trophy and free membership of the ABRS Teachers Association. The winners received their awards at last month’s ABRS 50th Anniversary Conference.
Nominations for next year’s Golden Spur Award must be received by the ABRS by 31 May 2005. The awards will be presented at the ABRS Annual General Meeting in October 2005. For further information contact: ABRS, Queen’s Chambers, Queen Street, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 4BH, email: office@abrs.org
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.