NAF Unsung Partnership of the Year 2026
Welcome to the Horse & Hound Awards 2026, which are back for the 11th year to celebrate the stars of equestrianism, in partnership with NAF and Agria
NAF Unsung Partnership of the Year 2026
Celebrating the unbreakable bond between a particular horse and rider who are not in the public eye – a wonderful partnership in which each one has helped the other in extraordinary ways.
In a new category for 2026, we will be celebrating those incredible bonds between horse and rider away from the spotlight in the Horse & Hound Awards.
The shortlist
Theo Charnley and RSPCA George
The rescue-turned-dressage pony now representing Britain in driving competitions
Theo Charnleyand George met as a beginner rider and an unbacked three-year-old. Six years later, the 12hh rescue pony and his 14-year-old partner have amassed an unbelievable CV.
They won 26 dressage championships together, but Theo soon outgrew George.
“Walking away was never an option,” says father, Paul. “Instead, they started a carriage driving journey.”
They won their first FEI driving competition at Chepstow this year and have represented Great Britain in competitions in France.
This duo’s story goes far beyond the ribbons – they showcase the value, potential and versatility of rescued equines. In fact, the family has since taken on two more RSCPA ponies.
“George is my everything,” says Theo. "I'm proud of how we have changed people’s perception of rescue ponies – my mighty RSPCA pony became an FEI-winning pony.”
Lydia Mills and Jess
A pair that have survived a road accident to become regular Man versus Horse competitors
Through Lydia Mills’ love, patience and dedication, Jess transformed from a wary, timid pony into a gentle soul who loves to please.
“She was very anti-people and would literally kick with intent,” Lydia tells H&H. “I feel immensely privileged that she chose to let me in and trust me with her foal, Mayo.”
Their bond carried them through tragedy: while hacking in 2021, they were involved in a collision with a car. Speaking to H&H at the time, Lydia described lying in the road, watching Jess running away.
Since the crash, Jess and Lydia have become regular Man versus Horse competitors, having completed the Welsh race three times and England’s first Quantock Hills event in 2023.
“Once out on those hills, Jess took the lead,” says Lydia. “I felt completely safe, she was so sure-footed.”
Daisy Coleman and Up For An Oscar
Two careers came to a sudden end, but a new partnership enabled both sides to flourish
Daisy Coleman and “Ozzy” both experienced an abrupt end to life as they knew it, but finding each other gave them purpose. An Army veteran, Daisy served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It shaped my identity,” she tells H&H.
Then, injury led to her medical discharge. Meanwhile, Ozzy’s narcolepsy ended his racing career.
“Neither of us fitted the mould anymore,” she continues. “I helped him discover his value wasn’t determined by his former career. He did the same for me.”
Ozzy inspired Daisy’s community farm project, Redberth Croft in Pembrokeshire, where he plays a key role – helping those experiencing isolation, disability and trauma feel connected.
“He stands quietly for people; he carries a nervous novice,” says Daisy. “He saved me, and in doing so helped create a place that supports many more.”
Gemma Potts and Optimal Spirit
The therapy horse that lifts his owner’s spirits and gives her reason to persevere
Gemma Potts’ journey with Optimal Spirit (Charlie) began in 2015 when she met him at the yard where she worked. She quickly fell in love with this “scruffy ex-racehorse” and together they competed up to medium level dressage and evented at BE100. They also enjoyed hunting and went to the Retraining of Racehorses championships twice.
But in 2021, Gemma broke her neck and spinal cord in an accident at a show, resulting in paralysis from the shoulder down. When she next saw Charlie, from a wheelchair eight months later, “he took it all in his stride”.
“He’s my lifeline, my world – he never fails to make me smile,” Gemma says. “He came into my life 11 years ago and we achieved more than I ever dreamed of. Following my injury, our riding career was over and he no longer had a job to do but he became my therapy, a role he excels in. He is not fazed by me being different, he does not see my disability. I feel he loves me just the same.”
Her mother Linda adds: “Charlie is Gemma’s reason to push herself to her limits in the hope that, one day, she will lift her hand herself and touch him.”
About the Horse & Hound Awards 2026
The Horse & Hound Awards are celebrating their 11th year, being held in partnership with NAF and Agria.
As ever, the Horse & Hound Awards winners will be nominated and voted for by you, with the exception of the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award, which is decided by a Horse & Hound panel. We intend to recognise both the big names who have made 2026 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at every level.
The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November, where some 300 people, including heroes of the summer’s World Championships, will gather to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, BAFTA-style speeches and dancing.
