Event owners recognised

The Event Horse Owners’ Association, set up two years ago to provide a platform for an oft neglected sector of the horse trials scene, celebrated its second annual sell-out awards dinner at La Terrazza in London’s Park Lane (8 November), sponsored by Price Waterhouse Cooper.

Two of the association’s awards are constructed to encourage new people into the sport: most successful new owner this season was Pat Dawson of Gemsupa, who won a three-day event at her first attempt – Gemsupa’s horse, TheIrish Guy II, won Burgie, ridden by Tiny Clapham.

Owner of the horse winning most points in his first season was Dr Neil,Cooper. His hunter Dr Feelgood, now regularly seen out with the Middleston and Holderness, was campaigned by Zoe Carver and isonly a few points short of advanced level.

Cash prizes of £1,000 each went to Irish international Austin O’Connor and British-based Brazilian Guto de Faria as the riders voted for giving their owners “most pleasure,” while Henbury Hall in Cheshire topped the poll as Britain’s most friendly event.