The breeders of European eventing champion London 52, Olympic dressage medallist Mount St John Freestyle and showjumping star Donatello d’Auge have been celebrated at the Longines World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) awards.

The ceremony, which crowned the breeders of the year in eventing, dressage and showjumping – based on the final WBFSH 2025 rankings – took place on 24 January at Jumping Amsterdam.

WBFSH president Jan Pedersen presented Ocke Riewerts (London 52), Stephan Kurz (Mount St John Freestyle) and Susana Epaillard Garcia Cereceda (Donatello D’Auge) each with an inscribed bronze Brigitte Boss trophy and a Longines timepiece.

This is the second time Ocke, who is based in the North Sea island of Föhr in northern Germany, has received the award for London 52 (Landos x Quinar Z), having won in 2022. London 52 and Laura Collett were crowned European champions at Blenheim last year, and were third at Luhmuhlen CCI5*.

“I never expected that achieving this honour once would be possible – let alone twice,” Ocke.

A WBFSH spokesperson said Ocke’s work “stands out for its depth of tradition and meticulous care”.

“Ocke’s philosophy emphasises the value of repeating proven crosses and breeding horses capable of excelling across all three eventing disciplines – as well as possessing the courage to tackle today’s demanding courses,” said the spokesperson.

“London 52’s story is a reminder that greatness can emerge from modest beginnings; a single foal, bred with care and conviction, who rose to the top of international sport and now carries his breeder’s name among the legends of equestrian sport.”

Mount St John Freestyle (Fidermark x Donnerhall 11), who was previously produced and campaigned by Charlotte Dujardin, had another fantastic year with Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, winning individual silver and helping Denmark to team bronze at the European Championships in Crozet. The pair posted three +90% freestyle performances in 2025, including 91.1% at the Frankfurt CDI5* in December.

“Following what Freestyle does, her career achievements, it’s great” said Stephan, who is based in southern Germany.

“There are so many coincidences that happened to come full circle, where everything worked out perfectly.”

Susana, of Haras de La Bosquetterie in Normandy, won the showjumping title for Donatello D’Auge (Jarnac x Hello Pierville) for the second time, having received it in 2023. Donatello is ridden by Susana’s husband Julien, the pair have consistent results at the top level and finished number one in the FEI showjumping combination rankings last year.

“Two years later he is still there, among the best,” said Susana, adding that she is very proud of Donatello’s management.

“Patience is the big secret… let them grow, and once they are doing the sport, then [have] patience not to ask them too much, too often.”

The WBFSH spokesperson said Susan’s second award “stands as a testament to this philosophy and to the enduring legacy of one of modern showjumping’s great athletes”.

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The amateur breeder of the small but mighty horse who became world showjumping champion was deeply moved to be reunited with him, 14 years later.

Belgian breeder Wim Impens paid a visit to Henrik von Eckermann’s Cyor Stables to see King Edward, the Swedish powerhouse who also has team world and Olympic gold to his name.

Mr Impens was given the Belgian breeders’ bonus at the annual “Equigala” in recognition of King Edward’s achievement as the highest-earning horse of the year. This month, Belgian Horse Hub took him to Henrik’s base, where he was “reunited with King Edward and spoke with the man who transformed his king into a living legend”.

A spokesperson for the hub, which is supported by the Flemish government to promote the country’s equestrian network, said Mr Impens’ family’s breeding efforts were “driven purely by a passion for eventing”.

“You dream that one day, one of your horses will truly exceed all expectations,” the spokesperson said. “In 2010, a small and promising colt is born. After 18 months, you decide to sell him. Eleven years later, that same horse wins gold at the Olympic Games.”

Mr Impens said he was delighted to be there.

“I’ve met Henrik before at a competition, where he took the time for a friendly chat,” he said.

“But to be here now, walking around, and seeing King Edward up close again – it really touches me.”

Henrik and King Edward were on the Swedish team that won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021, finishing fourth individually, and world gold in 2022, when they were also individual champions. They won back-to-back World Cup Finals in 2023 and 2024, and the Longines Global Champions Tour super grand prix in 2021.

King Edward is the ultimate pocket rocket, and Henrik affectionately compared him to a dachshund.

“He has short legs, but a huge heart,” he said. “Because he is very wide, has a very wide canter and has enormous jumping power, it feels like you are riding a gigantic horse.

“He is also extremely sweet and gentle. You almost never find that balance between caution and fearlessness. He always wants to get to the other side, no matter what is in front of him.”

Mr Impens added: “His ‘go’, that unyielding will to devour obstacles, is phenomenal. He is small, but has a strong character, something that many horses from his line share.”

Both agreed that the 2022 Herning World Championships were King Edward’s pinnacle so far.

“At an event like that, you have to perform at the highest level for so many days, and he did it all flawlessly,” Henrik said. “Not a single rail down – it’s unbelievable. But honestly, every day with him is a highlight. He has such a cool personality, even in the stables. We try to pamper him as much as we can and truly enjoy every moment with him.”

Mr Impens said his father saw King Edward’s ultimate moment a week before he died.

“That makes it even more special for me,” he said.

“I sometimes get visits from Swedish King Edward fans. He’s even on a stamp!” he added.

Mr Impens said people now see him as a brilliant breeder, but fewer than 1% of horses will turn out to be as brilliant as King Edward, and that breeding is a gamble.

“That’s why I don’t breed – I don’t have the patience for those odds!” Henrik said. “But without top breeders like Wim, our sport wouldn’t exist. It’s also crucial that young horses have proper training – not too fast or too hard, but with the time and care they need. Otherwise, even the best-bred horses don’t stand a chance.”

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Breeders of the world’s top horses, including Holly Smith’s Tokyo contender Denver, have been recognised at the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) breeders awards.

The awards honour breeders of the top ranked showjumping, dressage, and event horses of the year. As a live ceremony could not take place owing to the coronavirus pandemic, a video celebrating the winners was produced.

Marleen Woertmann received the jumping award on behalf of her now deceased father Anton Woertmann, breeder of the eventer-turned-showjumper Denver. Owned by Ian Dowie, the 12-year-old Albfuehren’s Memphis x Chico’s Boy notched up 1155 points with Holly between 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020.

“I do not think my father thought he would ever breed a foal like this. It is an honour to my father, an honour to his work and I am very happy to receive this award,” said Marleen.

Holly took on the ride in September last year following the gelding’s former eventing career under Constance Copestake. Holly and Denver’s highlights include winning the La Vanguardia Trophy at the CSIO5* Barcelona in October 2019, three podium finishes at London Olympia CSI5*-W, and third place in the Amsterdam CSI5*-W in January. Following the return of the sport after the first coronavirus lockdown, the combination have secured top-10 finishes around Europe.

“He‘s always been a jumper. He’s a natural talent – it’s just been a bit later he was allowed to do what he was best at,” Holly told H&H.

“It feels great for him to be number one, and I think in part he probably owes it to my top horse Heart’s Destiny who sadly died. They were a great team together; I used Heart’s Destiny for the Nations Cup and grands prix and then Denver cleaned up everything in between.

“Having both of them running together was wonderful but now it’s Denver’s turn to do it on his own. We’re out in Spain at the moment and have the Nations Cup next week so we’ll see how he goes.”

Holly said she is aiming the KWPN gelding for the Tokyo Games next year.

“I very much let the horse guide me, they know what they’re capable of and what they can do and I try to give them every chance to show me.”

The winning dressage breeder was the late Inge Bastian, who was represented in the awards by her husband Günter Bastian – breeder of the Oldenburg-registered mare Weihegold OLD by Don Schufro x Sandro Hit. Inge also won the award in 2017.

Ridden by Isabell Werth, the combination won six international events during the competition year collecting 2753 points.

Dutch couple Jannie and Johan Schurink took the eventing breeders award for the KWPN gelding Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. The 12-year-old by Quidam x Amethist topped the world rankings with 172 points and is competed by Australian Kevin McNab, who said the gelding was “a little star”.

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Mr and Mrs Schurink describe themselves as “hobby breeders”.

“Don Quidam was born here and it is amazing that a horse we have bred becomes number one in the world,” said Mr Schurink.

“It is a great thing for my wife because she has put a lot of work into the horses, and she deserves this award.”

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If you know of a mare who has made a significant contribution to British breeding, this is your last chance to nominate her for the 2019 Horse & Hound Outstanding Mare Award.

This prestigious award will be presented at the British Breeders Awards dinner at London’s Leonardo Royal Hotel on Saturday, 11 January 2019.

If your mare has excelled in sport herself, or produced progeny who have enjoyed success in any equestrian discipline, visit the British Horse Foundation website to submit your nomination before midnight tonight.

Mares do not have to be alive to be nominated, and do not have to be British-bred, as long as they have had an impact on British breeding. Nominations from previous years will not be carried over, but owners and connections are welcome to re-submit nominations.

Last year’s Horse & Hound outstanding mare award was won by Sarah Oppenheimer’s prolific broodmare, Rubinsteena (Rubinstein x Donnerhall), and presented to Sarah by Horse & Hound’s dressage and sport horse breeding editor Polly Bryan.

The fantastic foundation mare of the Oppenheimers’ Headmore Stud, in Hampshire, died last year at the age of 22, leaving behind an extensive dressage dynasty who are winning at national, international and regional level.

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Among Ruby’s most successful offspring currently on the circuit are Headmore Bella Ruby, a seven-year-old Belissimo M mare who recently picked up her second national title of the year at advanced medium with Alice Oppenheimer, the nine-year-old Dimaggio daughter Headmore Davina, an international winner at small tour and current winter national inter I champion, and 11-year-old Headmore Wimoweh, whom Alice has competed up to grand prix.

“Without Ruby we would have only one horse on our yard— everything else I ride is one of hers,” said Alice.

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One of Britain’s most renowned riders, breeders and trainers, Jennie Loriston-Clarke was honoured with the prestigious Meritoire Lifetime Achievement award at the 2019 British Breeders awards dinner on Saturday 12 January. We take a look at some of the many highlights of Jennie’s career, and some things you may not have known about her.

1. Jennie has represented Britain at four Olympic Games. She competed at Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976 with Kadett, Los Angeles 1984 with Prince Consort and Seoul 1988 riding Dutch Gold. She also rode at the alternative Olympics in 1980, as well as two world championships in 1978 and 1986 — winning individual bronze with Dutch Courage in 1978 — and the first ever World Equestrian Games, in Stockholm in 1990.

2. Jennie and her older siblings learnt to ride cross-country on a 12.2hh Exmoor pony called Skipper, who was bought off the moor.

3. Before focusing her career on dressage, Jennie was successful in point-to-pointing and eventing, and proved her versatility: in 1983, she won the Midland Bank Championships (eventing) aboard Dutch Gold, before taking him to an international dressage show at Rotterdam the following day.

4. Jennie’s mother, Anne Bullen, who founded the Catherston Stud in 1949, was also a prolific equestrian artist, illustrating books by Monica Dickena and the Pullein-Thompson sisters.

5. In 1979, Jennie was awarded an MBE for her contribution to equestrianism, and in 2006 she became the first person to receive the British Horse Society’s Queen’s Award for Equestrianism, which her sister Jane Holderness-Roddam also received, three years later.

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6. Jennie was the first Brit to be invited to judge at the World Breeding Championships in Verden, and in 2011 she broke her foot while acting as president of the ground jury at the show. She collided with a step just before the trot-up, but despite being warned she would be unable to judge, Jennie returned to the ring with her foot strapped up.

7. She took on the role of chairman of British Dressage from 2007 until 2013, when she was asked to become President of British Dressage, a position she still holds today.

8. Both Jennie’s daughters, Lizzie Murray and Anne Dicker, have competed internationally for Britain riding home-bred Catherston horses.

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If you know a mare who has made a significant contribution to British breeding, you have just one more week to let us know about her.

The nominations for the 2018 Horse & Hound outstanding mare award will close on Monday, 3 December. This prestigious award will be presented at the British Breeders Awards celebratory dinner at London’s Grange City Hotel on Saturday, 12 January 2019.

If your mare has excelled in sport herself, or produced progeny who have enjoyed success in any equestrian discipline, visit the British Horse Foundation website to submit your nomination.

Mares do not have to be alive to be nominated, and do not have to be British-bred, as long as they have had an impact on British breeding. Nominations from previous years will not be carried over, but owners and connections are welcome to re-submit nominations.

Last year’s outstanding mare award was won by Trisha Rickards’ home-bred Faerie Dazzler (Catherston Dazzler x Ben Faerie), and Catherston’s Jennie Loriston-Clarke collected the prize, presented by H&H breeding editor Polly Bryan, on Trisha’s behalf.

As well as competing at the top level of eventing herself, Faerie Dazzler produced six foals, with the now 13-year-old Faerie Dianimo, by Keystone Dimaggio, going on to event successfully at the top level, including finishing 17^th individually at the 2016 Rio Olympics with New Zealand’s Jonelle Price.

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Other previous winners of the H&H outstanding mare award include the Hawtins Stud’s foundation broodmare World’s Finest (pictured above), whose grandson is Carl Hester’s world team bronze medallist Hawtins Delicato, as well as Woodlander Dornroschen, Michael Eilberg’s former grand prix ride and mother of young horse champion Farouche and the Suffolk horse Whitton Daisy, who has contributed to the rare breed’s population.

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With the nominations now open for the 2018 Horse & Hound Outstanding Mare of the Year Award, to be presented at the British Breeders Awards Celebratory Dinner on Saturday 12 January 2019, we take a look back at some of the fabulous mares who have been honoured with this prestigious award to date…

Faerie Dazzler (2017)

Last year’s winner was Trisha Rickards’ “brave and feisty” mare Faerie Dazzler, whose offspring went on to succeed at the very highest level.

Born at the Catherston stud in 1990, Daisy competed at the top level in eventing under David Green. Her best result was a ninth-place finish at Saumur CCI3* in 2001, before retiring from competition the following year.

She produced six foals, with the now 13-year-old Faerie Dianimo, by Keystone Dimaggio, finishing 17^th individually at the 2016 Rio Olympics with New Zealand’s Jonelle Price. The 12-year-old Xavier Faer, by Catherston Liberator, has also followed in her footsteps with Jonelle’s husband Tim, finishing third at Badminton 2017.

“Being a breeder, I always think the mare is more important than the stallion. If your mare gives good stock you can do a lot with them,” says Trisha, who still has Daisy, now 28, at home at Brockenhurst Park in Hampshire.

“Daisy owes me absolutely nothing; she has a nice life and she’ll stay here in the park for the rest of her days. She still babysits her youngsters when they come back for a holiday — she likes to put them in line!”

World’s Finest (2016)

When a mare’s legacy includes a world bronze medallist as well as national champions, you know she is something very special. Indeed, the 2016 winner was one of the Hawtins Stud’s foundation mares, the now 24-year-old World’s Finest (Wolfie, pictured above and top), by Weltmeyer.

Among Wolfie’s offspring are Carl Hester’s World Equestrian Games ride Hawtins Delicato, and Charlotte Dujardin’s multiple national champion Hawtins San Floriana, as well as several other regional and young horse champions.

“I love my mares so much. Everyone talks about stallions all the time, but the mare is such an important part,” says the Hawtins stud’s Judith Davis.

“As breeders, we’re the keepers of the marelines, with responsibility to move them forward. If you make bad decisions then you’re not progressing the line and building it for the future.”

Seven Percent (2015)

When Suzy Mainprice heard that her then 21-year-old Hanoverian mare Seven Percent (Shirley) had won the 2015 Horse & Hound outstanding mare award, she cried.

“I bought her in Germany with her dam for very little money,” Suzy says. “I was flabbergasted, particularly as people are importing mares costing £100,000 and we’ve only ever used our own stallions on Shirley, not top ones from Europe.”

The performance-tested mare by Sherlock Holmes has had 14 foals. Among these was the Pascal daughter Private Eye, who produced the Paralympic horse Double Agent.

“Seven Percent felt like she was designed with a place for you to sit and was so trainable,” says Suzy. “She’s the cleverest, kindest, most wonderful mare and her progeny inherit that.

“Everyone who’s had one from her is always after another. They’re so beautifully balanced and trainable.”

Whitton Daisy (2014)

This award is not limited to sport mares, and the 2014 winner certainly proved that. The Suffolk mare Whitton Daisy beat a host of successful mares from the Olympic disciplines to pick up the prize, much to the surprise of her owners, Tom and Sandy Walne.

Daisy has produced six foals, providing a much-needed boost to this critically endangered breed, and of these have had significant success on the county show circuit.

“I just can’t believe that out of all the mares up for the award Daisy was chosen. I was quite expecting a polite letter saying she wasn’t what fitted the criteria for the award,” said Sandy.

Woodlander Dornroschen (2013)

The 2013 winner was picked up by the Woodlander Stud’s Lynne Crowden for the brilliant mare Dornroschen. This daughter of Dimaggio, bought in-foal from Brightwells Auction, went on to achieve much international grand prix success under Michael Eilberg, who also rode her daughter Woodlander Farouche to become double world young horse champion.

Both mares have since been retired from sport, but 16-year-old Dornroschen’s legacy is still going strong; she has two licensed stallion sons in Franz Ferdinand and Freddie M, and Farouche’s son Woodlander Wild Child is a champion stallion.

Waldfee (2012)

The 2012 H&H-sponsored outstanding mare award went to Waldfee, John and Julie Deverill’s foundation mare at the Half Moon Stud. Her most famous offspring was Half Moon Delphi, ridden to team silver by Michael Eilberg at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, but among her 13-strong foal crop were several other advanced dressage horses.

Waldfee, a grey mare by the Hanoverian sire Westwall, died in the summer of 2012 aged 20.

Continued below…

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Kings Mistress (2011)

It’s impressive enough for one of a mare’s offspring to reach the echelons of four-star eventing, but Mary King’s Kings Mistress was dam to three top eventers.

Her most well-known is the third of the three, Kings Temptress, a mare by Primitive Rising who clocked up 10,099 British Eventing points and won the Kentucky CCI4* in 2011. She also twice finished in the top 10 at Burghley.

Her other two daughters, Kings Gem and Kings Fancy, also went on to international success.

Nominations for the 2018 H&H Outstanding Mare of the Year Award close on Monday, 3 December. To nominate your mare, click here.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Time is running out to submit your nominations for the Horse & Hound outstanding mare award, which will be presented at the British breeders’ awards dinner at London’s Grange City Hotel in January.

If you know of a mare who has made a valuable contribution to British breeding, whether she has excelled in sport herself, or produced progeny who have enjoyed success in any equestrian discipline, you have until Friday, 24 November to let us know about her.

Last year’s winner of this prestigious award was the Hawtins Stud’s foundation broodmare World’s Finest (pictured), by Weltmeyer. The stud’s owner, Judith Davis, collected the prize at the glittering awards ceremony.

The descendants of World’s Finest are certainly doing the 24-year-old mare proud; her granddaughter Hawtins San Floriana is winning young horse championships, and her grandson Hawtins Delicato is racking up small tour titles under Charlotte Dujardin.

“Everyone talks about stallions all the time, but the mare is such an important part,” said Judith. “As breeders, we’re the keepers of the marelines, with responsibility to move them forward. If you make bad decisions then you’re not progressing the line and building it for the future.”

Other past winners of the award include Woodlander Dornroschen, Michael Eilberg’s former grand prix ride and mother of young horse champion Farouche, the UK Hanoverians’ foundation mare Welunja and the Suffolk horse Whitton Daisy, who has contributed to the rare breed’s population.

Mares do not have to be alive to be nominated, and do not have to be British-bred, as long as they have had an impact on British breeding. Nominations from previous years will not be carried over, but owners and connections are welcome to re-submit nominations.

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To nominate a mare, visit the British Equestrian Federation website.

The award will be presented at the 21st anniversary British breeders’ awards celebratory dinner, hosted and organised by the British Horse Foundation, on 13 January 2018.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Britain’s top breeders were celebrated at a national awards event on Saturday (14 January).

The British Breeders Awards Dinner and Ceremony, organised by the British Horse Foundation, took place at the Grange City Hotel, London.

The British Horse Foundation is a charity that aims to improve the quality and breeding of horses and ponies by supporting a number of programmes designed to reduce indiscriminate breeding

Professional and amateur breeders were among those given British Equestrian Federation futurity certificates of merit at the awards.

Award winners included Barbara Heaton Smith, who was presented with two certificates for eventing-bred foal CAWrus Boy and eventing two-year-old CAWrus Girl, as were joint breeders Mrs Skepper and Mrs Marson for endurance yearling Heritage Vadel and eventing three-year-old Heritage Arrakis.

In the futurity age awards, Sarah Oppenheimer took the foal award for breeding Headmore Valentina, a dressage prospect.

Jane Townshend collected the yearling award for Classictop Up & At It, a potential eventer.

The two-year-old award went to showjumping prospect Balou for Pleasure, bred jointly by Lisa Maynard and Chris Jackson. The three-year-old award went to Millfield Counterfeit, bred by Sue Jagger, who was also bred for a showjumping career.

Young horse awards

Young horse awards were presented to the breeders of the best British-bred young horses in the three main equestrian disciplines.

Judith Davis, who bred Hawtins san Floriana, four, and Hawtins Barolo, five, was among the winners of the dressage awards.

The Billy Stud was also recognised, collecting the seven-year-old British Eventing young horse breeders medal for Billy Walk On and the six-year-old showjumping award for Billy Penny.

Horse & Hound outstanding mare award

The Horse & Hound outstanding mare award went to World’s Finest, owned by Judith Davis of Hawtins Stud, who was thrilled to be the recipient of this award for one of the stud’s foundation mares, who has created a lasting dynasty through her descendants.

The British Equestrian Federation award to the highest placed British-bred horse in Team GB at Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games went to event horse Don Geniro, bred by Pam Dews and owned jointly with Pip Higgins.

Haddon Training British groom awards

There were four categories in the Haddon Training British grooms awards, which were also announced at the ceremony.

Janet Willis was the recipient of the category open to all grooms in the equestrian industry; with Georgie Thomas taking the runner-up prize, both from the world of eventing.

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The British equestrian grooms award, which was open to any groom who supported any British equestrian team athlete at Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was won by Mark Beever, groom to Nick Skelton.

The yard manager award was presented to Marcelle Tattersall, mother of British Olympic event rider Gemma Tattersall, with the apprentice award won by Elizabeth Killick, who is based with dressage rider Matt Hicks.

The culmination of the evening was the Meritoire liftetime achievement award, which was presented to Desi Dillingham MBE.

‘So much to celebrate’

The ceremony was compéred by event commentator Mike Tucker and guests were entertained by speaker Henry Bullen, managing director of Peden Bloodstock.

Mr Bullen spoke about the planning, preparation and logistics of transporting horses around the world.

“There has been much to celebrate for British breeding in 2016 and this glittering occasion affords the breeders of these potential world-class horses the special recognition they deserve,” said a spokesman for the event.

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Do you know a broodmare who deserves recognition for an exceptional contribution to British breeding?

Nominations have now opened for the Horse & Hound outstanding mare award, which is presented annually in conjunction with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

The public have until 25 November to put forward their suggestions for the prize — which can recognise any mare, living or dead, from any discipline.

“We’re all about recognising where quality exists and where that has helped British breeding to flourish and exceed,” said BEF head of equine development Jan Rogers.

The judging process might take into account the horse’s competition record, or the success of her offspring and invites a broad range of applicants.

“The mare doesn’t have to be British-bred, she could have been imported from abroad, competed and had one outstanding youngster. We’re interested in honouring those who have made an impact on British breeding,” Ms Rogers said.

“If you know or have got a mare who has made a contribution, we want to hear about it.”

Last year’s winner was the Hanoverian mare Seven Percent, who has produced successful offspring across the disciplines, while in 2015 the award went to the Suffolk Whitton Daisy, who has helped contribute to the rare breed’s population.

The award will be presented at the annual British breeders’ awards dinner in London on January 14, 2017 and nominations can be made via the BEF’s website.

The public also have until December 2 to put forward their nominations for the Meritoire lifelong achievement award, which recognises an outstanding contribution to sport horse or pony breeding.

Related articles:

• Test-tube foal marks successful return of technology
• The Queen receives prestigious breeding award
• Orphaned foal adopted by top showjumping mare

Previous winners have included the Louella Stud, National Foaling Bank founder Johanna Vardon, Archie Smith Maxwell, breeder of high-ranking event sire Jumbo, and Professor Graham Suggett for work with studbooks and chairmanship of the former National Equine Database.

In 2015, the award was presented posthumously to eventer Richard Meade, while this year it was also awarded posthumously, to Richard Matson, council member of the British Horse Foundation and vice-chairman of the National Equine Forum.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The breeders of British gold medal-winning dressage star Valegro have been honoured at an international awards ceremony — for the third year running.

The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) celebrated the breeders of the top dressage, showjumping and event horses of the year on 12 December in Geneva.

Martje and Joop Hanse, who bred Valegro, won the WBFSH Rolex breeder rankings dressage prize for a third consecutive year.

The Dutch couple sent their mare, Maifleur (by Gershwin), to the stallion Negro in 2001 and the result was Valegro.

Negro’s owner, Gertjan van Olst, bought the now dressage superstar and prepared him for the KWPN stallion show where he was spotted by Carl Hester in 2004.

The dark bay gelding — owned by Carl, Roly Luard and Anne Barrott — went on to win team and individual gold with Charlotte Dujardin at the London 2012 Olympics.

Since then, he has won both grand prix and the grand prix special titles at the 2013 and 2015 European Dressage Championships and individual gold at the World Equestrian Games in 2014.

He beat his own world record in the grand prix special at Olympia in 2014 scoring 93.4% and also won his second World Cup in Las Vegas in April.

Valegro will not be at Olympia this week, but is being aimed for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The prize for the breeders of the number one showjumping horse went to Belgium’s Willy Taets for Hello Sanctos.

Sanctos and his rider, Scott Brash, made showjumping history this year when they became the first combination to win the Rolex Grand Slam — winning the grands prix at Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows consecutively.

By the international jumping stallion Quasimodo vd Molendreef, Hello Sanctos was bred out of Nasia van het Gravenhof (by Nabab de Rêve) in 2002.

His grand dam, Balin, was bought by Mr Taets in 1978 and he also evented her.

Hello Sanctos, who also won team gold at London 2012, is owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham.

Taking the award for breeding this year’s top event horse was Dr Rolf Lück for Ingrid Klimke’s European team gold medal-winning ride Horseware Hale Bob.

The 11-year-old gelding, by Helokon xx, won Pau CCI4* in 2014 and this year has been runner-up at Badminton, Luhmühlen CIC3* and Aachen CICIO3*.

His dam, Goldige, is by Noble Champion xx.

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Nominations are now open for the Horse & Hound outstanding mare award, the winner of which will be announced at the annual British breeders’ awards dinner in London’s Grange City Hotel on 16 January.

If you know a mare who has excelled in sport and/or breeding, we want to hear about her.

Previous winners of this prestigious prize include the Suffolk Punch Whitton Daisy (pictured, top) and the grand prix dressage horse Woodlander Dornroschen, dam of Woodlander Farouche.

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring this fantastic prize yet again,” said H&H’s sport horse breeding editor Alice Collins.

“It’s a chance for us to show our appreciation of and recognition of these prized breeding mares and the invaluable role that quality dam-lines play in creating the next generation of talent or top examples of quality or endangered breeds.”

Nominations close on Friday 4 December 2015 and should be downloaded from www.tinyurl.com/hhMareAward, completed and sent to rebecca.rawson@wallacepr.co.uk

There are no restriction on the type or breed of the mares put forward.

Nominations are also invited for the SEIB Meritoire award for services to breeding. Last year, this award was awarded to the rider and breeder Richard Meade, who died the day before the ceremony.

The 2015 winners’ trophy was awarded to Whitton Daisy’s breeders, Tom and Sandy Walne for their prodigious Suffolk Punch Whitton Daisy.

“I just can’t believe that out of all the mares up for the award Daisy was chosen. I was quite expecting a polite letter saying she wasn’t what fitted the criteria for the award. I still haven’t come down to earth yet,” said Sandy. “This means so much to us — we put everything in to this and are delighted to be recognised like this.”

Whitton Daisy has produced six foals to date (four fillies and two colts), all of whom have had significant success on the county show circuit. Daisy stood best mare and foal at the Suffolk Show with her 2010 colt Whitton Teazel.

The winner in 2014 was Lynne Crowden, who picked up the accolade on behalf of her mare Woodlander Dornroschen, dam of the double world young horse champion, Farouche

To put a candidate forward in either category — and for full information about the awards dinner, visit www.tinyurl.com/hhMareAward

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Eventing legend Richard Meade has been posthumously honoured for his contribution to the British breeding industry.

Richard was recognised with the SEIB Meritoire — an award celebrating a lifetime’s contribution to the breeding industry — at the annual British Breeders dinner and awards in London on Saturday (10 January). He received a standing ovation in his memory from the packed room.

The evening was organised by the British Horse Foundation, of which Richard was a former chairman.

Richard died on 8 January, aged 76. He had been suffering from cancer and had been receiving treatment since being diagnosed in October. He had been in hospital since Boxing Day.

Richard was the most successful Olympic rider in eventing history and was also a keen supporter of British breeding.

“The award was to be presented to Richard who very sadly passed away just before,” said a spokesman for the British Horse Foundation.

“The occasion was taken to present a celebration of the life of a great gentleman, equestrian and friend of many in the room.

“Richard’s contribution to breeding was immense, having been a top level competitor himself, he acted as a link between breeding and competition riding and was instrumental in the development of the first breeding strategy for the country and setting up the Supporters of British Breeding.

“Chair of the British Horse Foundation, Richard and the trustees supported many breeding and young horse initiatives. His foresight and ability to motivate and coordinate groups of people was inspiring. Richard was aware that he had won the award before he became very ill and the Meritoire will be presented to Richard’s family when they feel able to receive it.”

Richard was member of the British eventing team for 21 years and secured team gold at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, in severe weather conditions riding Cornishman V, as well as at the 1972 Munich Games (riding Laurieston). He also won individual gold at the latter.

Richard was a staunch supported of the equestrian industry — he served on the British Horse Society’s Council, was formerly president of the British Equestrian Federation, a member of the FEI’s eventing committee and then a Bureau member and chairman of its Northern European group of nations.

He was on the sport’s governing body board (now British Eventing) for more than 30 years and was an FEI judge and course-designer.

Tributes have poured in from the horse world since his death, remembering a “wonderful man” and a “true gentleman”.

To read memories from his teammates and friends, see this week’s issue of H&H — out tomorrow (Thursday 15 January).

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The breeders of a rare Suffolk Punch have won the 2015 Horse & Hound outstanding mare award.

At the British breeders’ awards dinner held at the City Grange Hotel in London on Saturday, 10 January, the breeders of Whitton Daisy were presented with the prestigious H&H outstanding mare award.

Recipients Tom and Sandy Walne (pictured below, with H&H’s Sarah Jenkins and Alice Collins) were surprised to receive the award, having been up against a raft of successful mares from the Olympic disciplines.

“I just can’t believe that out of all the mares up for the award Daisy was chosen. I was quite expecting a polite letter saying she wasn’t what fitted the criteria for the award. I still haven’t come down to earth yet,” said Sandy, who received enthusiastic applause when picking up the trophy.

“This means so much to us — we put everything in to this and are delighted to be recognised like this.”

Whitton Daisy has produced six foals to date (four fillies and two colts), all of whom have had significant success on the county show circuit. Daisy stood best mare and foal at the Suffolk Show with her 2010 colt Whitton Teazel.

The Walnes were overwhelmed by the positive feedback and support they garnered following the award.

“It was incredible how happy people were for us,” added Sandy. “And for her to be a rare breed and on the critical list; the award is the icing on the cake.”

Tom and Sandy were gifted Whitton Daisy’s mother Gurty after her former owners failed to get her in foal. With the help of the Suffolk Horse Trust — The Colony Stud at Hollesley Bay — the Walnes managed to get her in foal and produce Whitton Daisy.

The runner-up was Graham Worrell’s late mare Purdy, the dam of the successful para horse Purdy’s Dream (pictured with Emma Sheardown) and the grand-dam of the showjumping stallion Argento (John Whitaker).

The winner in 2014 was Lynne Crowden, who picked up the accolade on behalf of her mare Woodlander Dornroschen, dam of the double world young horse champion, Farouche.

New beginnings for British breeders

This year, there was also excitement surrounding the recently formed British Breeders’ Network.

The guest speaker, Woodlander Stud’s Lynne Crowden, impressed upon the audience that the formation of the network offers breeders an opportunity to address concerns over the industry in the UK and make it better and more inclusive. The network aims to improve British breeding’s profile both at home and abroad, educate breeders and drive sales of British-bred horses.

Anyone wishing to register their interest is asked to email info@britishbreedersnetwork.org

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An impressive list of successful Irish breeders were honoured at the Horse Sport Ireland 2014 Breeders Awards in Thurles, Co. Tipperary last week (19 November), proving that the Irish bloodstock industry is in rude health.

Among the eventing recipients were Paula Cullen and Bryan Maguire, breeders of the Irish Sport Horses who won Badminton and Kentucky CCI4* — Paulank Brockagh (pictured) (Sam Griffiths) and Bay My Hero (William Fox-Pitt) — and Patrick Fenlon, who bred the highest placed Irish Sport Horse in the WBFSH eventing rankings, Kilronan (Paul Tapner).

Great Britain’s winning Nations Cup showjumping team in Odense, Denmark, in May consisted of an amazing four Irish-bred horses — Dougie Douglas (Holly Gillott), Touchable (Jessie Drea), A Touch Imperious (Harriet Nuttall) and Santa Cruise II (Tim Page). Mary McCann, breeder of the latter, accepted an award on behalf of all four breeders.

Joanne and Finbar Mulligan received an award for successfully utilising modern breeding technology with their Irish Sport Horse Pembrook Milenia, who finished fourth in the five-year-old jumping final at Lanaken this year with British rider Stacey Babes.

One of the most outstanding young horses to come out of Ireland this year was the Luidam mare Ard Ginger Pop. Sold to Carl Hanley for €95,000 in September at the Goresbridge Supreme Sale of Showjumpers, the five-year-old went on to claim silver at Lanaken under Angelica Augustsson. This made Ard Ginger Pop the highest placed Irish Sport Horse at the FEI WBFSH jumping championships and her Navan-born breeder Heather Dean Wright accepted the award.

Breeder of the top ISH showing mare was Thomas Smyth of Kilkenny for his Ghareeb mare Inistioge Best Betty, and Raymond Sloyan from Co. Mayo took the award as breeder of the top Irish Draught showing mare for a second year in a row after Elm View scored a hat-trick in the broodmare championship at Dublin.

The outstanding contribution award to ISH breeding went to Mary McCann, who has been breeding eventers and showjumpers at the Hartwell Stud for 25 years.

HSI 2014 Breeders Awards in full:

1.Breeder of the Top International Event Horse 2014

Kilronan (ISH)

Breeder: Pat Fenlon, Co. Kilkenny

2. Breeder of the winner of the CCI4* at Badminton Horse Trials 2014

Paulank Brockagh (ISH)

Breeder: Paula Cullen, Co. Wicklow

3. Breeder of the winner of the CCI4* at Rolex, Kentucky 2014

Bay My Hero (ISH)

Breeder: Bryan Maguire, Co. Wexford

4. Highest Placed ISH at the World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses, Le Lion d’Angers 2014

Cooley Dream Extreme (ISH)

Breeder: Frank Gordon, Co. Mayo

5. Owner and breeder of the most successful young event horse 2014

Rioghan Rua (ISH)

Breeder: Margaret Kinsella, Galway

6. Highest placed showjumping rookie in the WBFSH rankings 2014

Special Lux (ISH)

Breeder: Des and Seamus Judge, Co. Mayo

7. Breeder utilising modern breeding technologies with success

Pembrook Milenia (ISH)

Breeder: Finbarr and Joanne Mulligan, Co. Wicklow

8. Highest Placed ISH at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses, Lanaken 2014

Ard Ginger Pop (ISH)

Breeder: Heather Dean Wright, Meath

9. Breeders of the winning Nations Cup Team Odense

Dougie Douglas (ISH) – 2005 gelding by Ard VDL Douglas (KWPN) out of Neills Girl (ISH), by High Roller (ISH). Bred by John O’Brien, Co. Limerick.

Santa Cruise II (ISH) – 2004 gelding by Randi (HANN) out of Tamerarra (ISH), by Cruising (ISH). Bred by Hartwell Stud, Co. Kildare.

A Touch Imperious (ISH) – 2004 gelding by Touchdown (ISH) out of Cavimperius (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Bred by Leo Rice, Co. Monaghan.

Touchable (ISH) – 2001 mare by Touchdown (ISH) out of Irco Rain (ISH), by Irco Mena (SWB). Bred by Dr. Noel Cawley, Co. Kildare.

10. Breeder of top ISH showing mare 2014

Inistioge Best Betty (ISH)

Breeder: Thomas Smyth, Co. Kilkenny

11. Breeder of top Irish Draught showing mare 2014

Elm View (ID)

Breeder: Raymond Sloyan, Co. Mayo

12. Irish Sport Horse mare that achieved highest scores at inspection 2014

Cillbhrid April (ISH)

Breeder: Richard Power, Co. Waterford.

13. Irish Draught mare that achieved highest scores at inspection 2014

Gweebarra Genesis (ID)

Breeder: Charmaine Kee, C.o Donegal

14. Leading event horse stallion in the WBFSH sire rankings

Master Imp (TB)

Breeder: Barbara Hatton accepting award on behalf of the late Loftus O’Neill, Slyguff Stud, Co. Carlow

15. Outstanding contribution award to ISH breeding

Mary McCann, Co. Kildare

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Do you know a groom that deserves rewarding for hard work?

In January two awards will be presented at the British Breeders’ awards dinner.

The awards were last presented in 2009 but have been revitalised for 2015.

Grooms can be nominated by employers, friends and family — or they can even put themselves forward.

The two awards are: the Haddon Training British Grooms awards, which is open to all grooms in the equestrian industry and the Haddon Training Team GBR grooms award — open to those who were part of team GBR at the summer’s FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games.

Nominations will set out the reasons why the nominee deserves the award and ask for an example of a situation where the groom has shown that they should win the title of either:

“The British Grooms Awards always used to play an integral part in the awards presentation and with Haddon Training’s generous support we are thrilled to have been able to reinstate them to recognise these extremely dedicated and hardworking people whose contribution is so valuable,” said Jan Rogers of the British Equestrian Federation.

Chris Hewlett, managing director of Haddon Training added: “Haddon Training are delighted to be supporting the British Grooms Awards as we recognise what a valuable contribution skilled grooms make to the welfare of horses. We all benefit from their successes in the equine world.”

Judging is to be done by two independent equestrians and Mr Hewlett of Haddon training. Between them they will select the winners from the short-listed candidates in each category.

Nominations must be made before Friday 28 November.

The awards will be presented at the annual British Breeders’ Awards Dinner, hosted and organised by the British Horse Foundation in London on 10 January 2015. The two winning grooms will be invited to the dinner to receive their awards in person.

Make a nomination here

At the British breeders’ awards dinner held at the City Grange Hotel in London on Saturday, 11 January, Woodlander Stud‘s Dornroschen came out on top in the Horse & Hound Outstanding Mare Award category.

The owner of Woodlander Stud, Lynne Crowden (pictured, with H&H’s managing editor Karen Spinner), bought Dornroschen (Dimaggio/Caprimond) in-foal from Brightwells Auction and the mare went on to produce the double World young horse champion, Woodlander Farouche.

Dornroschen herself is a successful international small tour horse and both she and Farouche are ridden by British European team medallist, Michael Eilberg.

In 2013, Dornroschen’s dam, Claire — owned by Mount St John stud — produced a full-brother. The chestnut colt was sold to the Eilberg family. Michael Eilberg is building up quite a dynasty from this talented mare-line.

Meacham Mambo No 5 (showing) and Jungle Bee (eventing) also received recognition for the quality and achievements of their offspring.

Services to breeding

The SEIB Meritoire for lifelong achievement in British breeding went to Professor Graham Suggett. He was the original British Equestrian Federation (BEF) director of breeding and started the BEF young horse evaluations and Futurity scheme.

Full list of award winners:

Horse & Hound Outstanding Mare Award

Winner – Dornroschen s: Dimaggio d: Claire. Breeder: Karen Hoerner. Owners: Lynne Crowden, Mr & Mrs Ferdi Eilberg

Runners Up – Jungle Bee s: Java Tiger d: Queen Bee. Breeder and Owner: Rosemary Search and Meacham Mambo No.5 s: Monte Carlo d: Trenawin Lorielle. Breeder and Owner: Lisha Leeman

South Essex Insurance Brokers Meritoire

Professor Graham Suggett

Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding/BEF Certificates of Merit:

Showjumping foal – Millfield Pandora s: Pot Blue d. Pretty Woman. Breeder: Sue Jagger

Dressage foal – Simbambili s: Supertramp d: Cayenne D. Breeder: Alison Walton

Endurance foal – Shahkeira s: R Ali Bey d: Shahlua. Breeder: Jo Claridge

Sports pony foal – KMD Rialto s: Rembrandt DDH d: Stambrook Musicality. Breeder: Kirsty Millard

Showjumping yearling – Diamond Jubilee s: Je T’Ame Flamenco d: Liska D’Aurore. Breeder: Sandra Grose

Eventing yearling – Limited Edition XV s: Take it 2 The Limit d: Star Lady. Breeders: Mr and Mrs Steve Talbot

Endurance yearling – LA Ruben s: Ruadi d: Phyllidia. Breeder: Val Lancashire

Sports pony yearling – Sans Doute s: Jimmerdor de Florys d: Hilkens My Love Breeder: Anne Collins

Showjumping 2-year-old – Casanova Can’t Wait s: Casanova Du Domaine Z d: Utah. Breeder: Jonathan Roy Parrott

Eventing 2-year-old – Vorvashill Vertigo s: Grafenstolz d: Last Flame. Breeder: Kari Christopher

Endurance 2-year-old – LA Ruzaadi s: Ruadi d: Rozaani. Breeder: Val Lancashire

Sports pony 2-year-old – Woodlander Wales s: Woodlander Wavavoom d: Drysiog Helen. Breeder: Lynne Crowden

Eventing 3-year-old – Trewardale s: Grafenstolz d: Trecarne. Breeder: Preci-Spark Event Horses

Showjumping 3-year-old – Kannanball s: Kannan d: Brise de Maupertius. Breeder: Karen Niklasson

Endurance 3-year-old – DD Zafirah Bint Shuwaimar s: Shuwaiman Al Bahrain d: Open All Hours. Breeder: Carri Ann Dark

Sports pony 3-year-old – R S Socrates s: Sarkozy d: Shannon Valley Valencia. Breeder: Jo Wright

Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding/BEF Futurity Eventing Championships Certificates of Merit

Foal & reserve champion – Trewitten s: Hand in Glove d: Treswigga. Breeder: Preci Spark Event Horse

Yearling – Carnmellyn Kings Law s: Kings Composer d: Laura Norder. Breeder: Katherine Downie

2yo & champion – Oakring Santino s: Sandreo d: It’s Sod’s Law. Breeder: Samantha York

3yo – Treneman s: Grafenstolz d: Treswigga Breeder: Preci Spark Event Horse

Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding/BEF Futurity Awards 

Foal award – Pentire Chilli Edge SHB(GB) s: Chilli Morning d: Heligan (s: Michael’s Revenge). Breeder and Owner: Chrissie Hogg

Yearling award – Keystone Rhea WBB-UK s: Keystone Rhondeo d: Donna Dino (s: Dimaggio). Breeder: Suzanne Lavendera Owner: Sally Barnes

2-year-old award – Woodlander Wild Child (BHHS) s: Woodlander Wavavoom d: Woodlander Farouche (s: Fuerst Heinrich). Breeders and Owners: Lynne Crowden, Geraldine Eilberg and Alison Walton

3-year-old award – GF Dusautoir (BHHS) s: Dimaggio d: Byzantia (s: Biotop). Breeder and Owner: Sandy Senior

British Eventing Young Horse Breeders Medals 

4-year-old award – Mrs Helen Manns (Breeder) for Sea Admiral SHB (GB) s: Diamond Dancer d: Whimsical. Owner: Ms Helena Ashworth

5-year-old award – Mrs Sharon Bishop (Breeder) for Parkfield Quintessential (AES) s: Quicksilber d: Carino Biene S.Z. Owner: Mrs Sharon Bishop

6-year-old award – Hartpury College (Breeders) for Hartpury Sky Is the Limit (BWBS) s: Take It 2 The Limit d: Sammy Jo G. Owner: Miss Diana Brodie

7-year-old award – Gustavii Stud (Breeders) for Alkima GII (AES) s: Almi des Nids d: Drakima GII. Owner: Mrs Priscilla Newman

British Dressage Young Horse Awards 

4-year-old award – Don Fulcher (BHHS) s: Daddy Cool d: Abraham (s: Rubinstein). Breeders: Littletree Dressage Owner: Jan Bennett

5-year-old award – Hawtins Delicato (BHHS) s: Diamond Hit d: Elite Ravenna (s: Regazzoni). Breeder: Judith Davis. Owner: Carl Hester MBE

6-year-old award – Sport Horse Centre Carilla (KWPN) s: Flemmingh d: Ozarills (s: Jazz). Breeder and Owner: Pat Ruck

British Showjumping Young Horse Awards

5-year-old award – Billy Yen (AES) s: Cevin Z d: Billy Dollar B (s: Kannan) Breeder and Owner: The Billy Stud

6-year-old award – Sebastians Dream (AES) s: Sebastian III d: Ocean Dreams (s: Special Graf). Breeder and Owner: Brendon Stud

7-year-old award – Bintang II (KWPN) s: Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve d: Orlalijn (s: Orlando). Breeder: Mr Edward Bleekman.  Owners: Mr John and Mrs Laura Renwick

Sports Pony Studbook Society Pony Performance and Breeding Award

Catherston Nutsafe (BWBS) s: Catherston Nightsafe d: Catherston Dauntless (s: Dutch Courage). Breeder: Mrs Lizzie Murray. Owner: Miss Chelsea Pearce

Racehorse to Riding Horses Performance Championships 

SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship – HOYS

Deep Reflection 2000 bay gelding, s: Cloudings (IRE) d: Tudor Thyne (IRE).Trained by Martin Keighley. Owned by Jason Newbold and ridden by Helen Newbold

Tattersalls Thoroughbred Show Horse Championship – Hickstead

Barbers Shop 2002 bay gelding, s: Saddlers’ Hall (IRE) d: Close Harmony. Trained by Nicky Henderson. Owned by HM The Queen and ridden by Katie Jerram

SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Dressage Awards

Champion: Schuh Shine (IRE) 1997 grey gelding, s: Roselier (FR) d: Naar Chamali (IRE). Trained by Venetia Williams. Owned and ridden by Karen Harrison

Reserve: King’s Silver (IRE) 2001 bay gelding, s: King Of Kings (IRE) d: Almi Ad (USA). Trained by N I M Rossiter. Owned and ridden by Rowan van Houben

SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Endurance Awards

Champion: Jack Dawson (IRE) 1997 bay gelding, s: Persian Bold d: Dream Of Jenny. Trained by John Berry. Owned by Paul Wright and Margaret Donnolly and ridden by Lorna Kidson

Reserve: See You Sunday 2005 grey mare, s: Baryshnikov (AUS) d: Shepani. Trained by Seamus Mullins. Owned by Sue Lees and ridden by Amber Barnicoat

SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Showjumping Awards

Champion: Tanktastic2002 bay gelding, s: Chaddleworth d: Honeybed Wood. Trained by Peter Hedger. Owned by Chris Tomkins and ridden by Isabelle Tomkins

Reserve: Petite Pistolet (IRE) 2002 bay gelding, s: Pistolet Bleu (IRE) d: Time In Life. Trained by Sean Regan. Owned and ridden by John Garrett

SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Eventing Award

Champion: Inishmor (IRE) 2004 grey gelding, s: Great Palm d: Kampa Island (IRE). Trained by Jeremy Scott. Owned by Ian Murray and ridden by Paul Tapner

Reserve: Valemount (IRE) 2003 bay gelding, s: Presenting d: Velsheda (IRE). Trained by Philip Hobbs. Owned and ridden by Dan Jocelyn

British Equestrian Federation European Award to the Highest Placed British Bred Horse in Team GBR at the FEI European Championships

Billy Congo – (AES) s: Vechta d: Billy Autumn (s: Animo). Breeder: The Billy Stud. Owner: The Billy Stud and ridden by William Funnell

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Celia Clarke, chair and founding director of The Sports Pony Studbook Society (SPSS), has been recognised for her outstanding services to the British sport horse breeding industry.

Mrs Clarke was presented with SEIB Meritoire, at the Breeder’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony in London on 7 January, having been involved in British breeding for more than 30 years.

Last year Celia was pivotal in setting up the British Young Breeders society, which successfully sent a team to compete in the World Championships for Young Breeders in Lyon in France.

Upon receiving the award she said: “I am truly amazed and gratified to be given this award, because as they say at the Oscars, it is the recognition of your work by those in your own field that is really the accolade that matters and the Meritoire is the Oscar of the UK horse breeding world.”

The Horse & Hound Outstanding Mare award, which recognises a mare who has made a great contribution to British equestrianism and left a legacy to future generations, went to the late Kings Mistress.

The mare was bred by John and Jane Poole (pictured) and owned by Mary King. She was by Louella Inschallah II and out of Solo Love and was a full sister to No Complaints.

She had a brief successful eventing career before an injury in the field forced her to retire to stud.

She has bred many top class foals including four star horses Kings Temptress, Kings Fancy and Kings Gem.

Kings Temptress won Rolex Kentucky last April and is ranked second in the British Eventing rankings for 2011.

Award winners included both professional and amateur breeders alike.

Several small breeders, breeding only one or two horses, had a successful evening.

Eventing’s Elizabeth Pears and Gemma Harris picked up awards for Grange Koral (by Ko Pilot) and Prima Donna IV (byDonnersong) respectively.

This was echoed in showjumping where Gemma Plumley’s Kobie (by Animo) bagged the six-year-old award and Lindsay Miller’s Caretino Vantarsi (again by Caretino Glory) lifted the seven-year-old award.

Baileys Horse Feeds, British Breeding and BEF Futurity Certificates of Merit – sponsored by Baileys

Corouet, by Balou Du Rouet, breeder Sarah Bullimore

Early Morning, by Chilli Morning, breeder Nick Gauntlett

Ali Shahrif, by R Ali Bey, breeder Jo Claridge

Woodlander Wales, by Woodlander Wavavoom, breeder Lynne Crowden

Pencarder Condors Boy, by Condor, breeder Roy Haggerty

Woodlander Rock Music, by Woodlander Rockstar, breeder Lynne Crowden

Fames Dakota, by Dakota Ink Spots, breeder D Butcher

Partytime, by Thursden Vallye Raphael, breeder Felicity O Sullivan

Galdiamond Cintillation, by Cendy, breeder Kim Stuart Smith

Dark De Niro, by De Niro, breeder Mark Massarella

Amber Gambler, by H Tobago, breeder Beatrice Louise Graham

She’s A Kinda Majik, by Ecliptic, breeder Frances Ewings

Raincheck, by Rubinero, breeder Vinca Boorman/S Amos

Polos Miners Gold, by Pik Polo, breeder Sarah Marie Turpin

Yawl Hill Maverick, by H Tobago, breeder Kirsty Wiscombe

Abbeywoods Chocolate Brownie, by Copybush Chiron, breeder Mr S Wilson

Condor, by Caretino, breeder Roy Haggerty

Chilli Morning, by Phantomic, breeder Nick Gauntlett

Bernwode Brokat, by Brillant, breeder Sarah Steggall

Barcelona, by Breitling W, breeder Suzanne Lavandera

Elegant C, by Darco, breeder Sue Clarke/Lynne Barker

Loveden Sea Swallow, by Gigman Jacana, breeder Penny Walster

Burrowshot Lass, by Nearly A Hand, breeder Kirsty Wiscombe

Foal award – Woodlander Wild Child (Woodlander Wavavoom), breeder,

Lynne Crowden, owners, Lynne Crowden, Ferdi Eilberg, Alison Walton

Yearling award – Lets Dance (Revolution), breeder and owner, Vienna Bayles

Two-year-old award – Gold Rush (Blue Hors Romanov), breeder and owner, Karen Neild

Three-year-old award – Danny Kannan (Kannan), breeder and owner, Jonathan Parrott

Stallion award – Legrande (Lefrvre), breeder, Lothar Kappe, owner, Lynne Al Redha

Stallion award – Woodlander Wavavoom (Weltregent), breeder and owner, Lynne Crowden

Mare award – Tenderfoot (Be My Chief), breeder, JR Furlong, owner, Grace Muir (HEROS) homed by Kyrle Arscott

(Pictured below: Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Lynne Crowden)

British Eventing Young Horse Awards – sponsored by British Eventing

Four-year-old award – Miss Gemma Harris (breeder) for Prima Donna IV

(Donnersong), owner, Alex Postolowsky

Five-year-old award – Mr & Mrs Firmin (breeders) for Blacklaw Thymelord (Dramiro), owner, Mr & Mrs P Smith

Six-year-old award – Mrs E Pears (breeder) for Grange Koral (Ko Pilot),

owner, Miss Emily Parker

Seven-year-old award – Mrs T Hall (breeder) for Seaworthy (McGuigan),

owner, Miss Sarah Bowe

British Dressage Young Horse Awards– sponsored by British Dressage

Four-year-old award – Caroline Evans (UK Warmbloods) and Dr E Blass (breeders) for Duke Ellington (Dimaggio)

Five-year-old award – Lynne Crowden (Woodlander Stud) (breeder) for

Woodlander Farouche (Furst Heinrich), owner Lynne Crowden, Ferdi Eilberg, Alison Walton

Six-year-old award – Mrs S Mainprice (breeder) for Donnergrollen (Donnersohn), owner, Mrs J Johnston & Mrs J Jones

(Pictured below: Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Suzy Mainprice)

British Showjumping Young Horse Awards – sponsored by British Showjumping

Five-year-old award – Brendon Stud (owner and breeder) for Sussex Caretino (Caretino Glory)

Six-year-old award – Johnsey Estates (UK) Ltd (owner and breeder) for TJ Kobie (Animo)

Seven-year-old award – Lindsay Miller (breeder) for Caretino Vantarsi (Caretino Glory), owner, Michael Fursedonn

Sports Pony Studbook Society British Bred Competition Pony Award –

sponsored by Sports Pony Studbook Society

Falaza (Libro x Chatter by Embla George), breeder Jane Fowles, owner Allyson Blagg

Racehorse to Riding Horses Performance Championships – sponsored by South Essex Insurance Brokers and Retraining of Racehorses

SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship HOYS – Night Prayers,

owned by Mr & Mrs Michael Jerram and ridden by Katie Jerram

Tattersalls Thoroughbred Show Horse Championship Hickstead – Treat Em

Mean, owned by Freda Johnson and Lizzie Richmond and ridden by Lizzie

Richmond

SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Dressage Awards

1st – Theme Park, owned by Derek Frankland and David Trott and ridden by David Trott

=2nd – Star Of Memory, owned and ridden by Alex Phillips

=2nd – Elverys, owned and ridden by CharlotteWilson

SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Endurance Awards

1st – Quercus Maximus, owned and ridden by Lizzie Livingstone

2nd – Jack Dawson, owned by Paul Wright and Margaret Donnolly and ridden by Lorna Kidson

SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Showjumping Awards

1st – Vite Etoile, owned and ridden by Nicola Braidwood

2nd – Moritz, owned by Mr & Mrs Barry Barnes and ridden by Clare Valender

SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Eventing Awards

1st – Dry Old Party, owned by Jess Mead and ridden by Tom McEwen

2nd – Seven O Seven, owned by Sophie Bunch and ridden by Sam Penn

Horse & Hound Outstanding Mare Award – sponsored by Horse & Hound

King’s Mistress (Louella Inschallah II x Solo Love by Solon Morn), bred by John and Jane Poole and owned by Mary King

British Equestrian Federation Europeans Excellence Award – sponsored by the British Equestrian Federation

Teddy, pedigree and breeder unknown, owned by Sally-Ann Brown and ridden by Anne Dunham

South Essex Insurance Brokers Meritoire – sponsored by South Essex Insurance Brokers

Celia Clarke

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Know someone who has made an outstanding contribution towards breeding performance sport horses or ponies? Why not nominate them for breeding’s prestigious Meritoire award?

The award is the pinnacle of the British Breeding Breeders’ Awards Dinner, due to be held at the Grange City Hotel in London on 9 January.

Last year’s recipient was Johanna Vardon, founder of the National Foaling Bank.

The closing date for nominations is 7 December, and forms can be downloaded at www.bef.co.uk.

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The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is seeking nominations for the Merial Meritoire award — for breeders who have made an outstanding lifetime contribution to the British performance sport horse and pony breeding industry.

Nominations close on 7 December, ahead of the British Breeding Breeders’ dinner, to be held in London on 12 January 2008, where the prize will be awarded.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.bef.co.uk (British breeding section) or call Jan Rogers, tel: 07725 332595.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (22 November, ’07)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

South Essex Insurance Brokers/Racehorses to Riding Horses Awards

Endurance: Maiden Ray (Gildoran x Croix Val Mer) owned and ridden by Karen Whittington

Show jumping: The Vicarene (Roscoe Blake x Hayburnwyke) owned and ridden by Kate Searby

Showing: Amezola (Northern Park x Yamamah) owned and ridden by Dawn Bacchus

Dressage: Off the Latch (Mandalus x Candora) owned and ridden by Karen Mathers

Eventing: Billy Bird (Blue Bird x Classic Dilemma) owned by Sarah Gallagher and ridden by Michael Jackson

Unaffilliated competition: Impetus (Lomitas x Ile de Re) owned and ridden by Kay Coxhead

South Essex Insurance Brokers/British Breeding Young Horse Evaluations Awards

Dressage: Flayne Don Daiquiri (Don Gregory x Moet Bewes) bred by Richard Stiles (Yorkshire)

Show jumping: Vacinimo (Animo x Facility) bred by Old Lodge (London)

Eventing: Treason (Hand in Glove x Welton Lady) bred by Preci Spark (Leics)

Pony: Tynycae Sandmartin (Sheepcote Wurlitzer x Tynycae Goldfinch) bred by Mrs M Morgan and Serena Pincus (Hereford)

Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding Futurity Awards

Top sires: Helen Lowe’s Longdean Westminster (Derbys), The Sporting Horse Stud’s Devil’s Jump (Cornwall), Trevoulter Barton Stud’s Gorsfaith Brenin (Cornwall) and Witcham House Farm Stud’s Classic Juan (Cambs).

Foal: Millfield Ballyhoo (Balou de Rouet x Hortense) bred by Millfield Stud (Yorks)

Yearling: Red Harriet Rose (Red Harvey Rose x Arizona) bred by Mrs V Redbart (Bucks).

Two year old: Deli Maestro (Devils Jump x Deki Landgirl) bred by Mrs P Edwards (Devon).

Three year old: Red Arturo’s Song (Arturo Z x Red Sonnet) bred by Mrs V Redbart (Bucks).

Four year old: Cotton King (Mill Law x Royal Gem II) bred by Mrs H Bramley (Yorks).

British Eventing Breeding Awards

Four year old: Cotton King (Mill Law x Royal Gem II) bred by Mrs H Bramley (Yorks).

Five year old: Mopani (Sylvan Express x Gorgeous Idea) bred by Katie Scott Gall (Berks).

Six year old: Granntevka Prince (Grannex x Showgirl Ditton Peace) bred by Geraldine Mills (Devon).

Ponies UK Pony Perfromance Awards

Dressage: Synod Magnus (Synod William x Synod Maggie May) bred by Synod Stud (Wales).

Show jumping: Sakama Chezni (Caerberllan Tywysog Coch x Parkton Victoria) bred by Sakama Stud (Wales).

Eventing: Welton Jazz (Welton Apollo x Crystal Clear) bred by Limbury Stud (Glos).

Sports Pony Studbook Society Top Native Pony Sire of Performance Ponies.

Winner: Caerberllan Tywysog Coch (Paith Tywysog Coch x Garnfach Shan) bred by W T Jones (Wales).

BEF Groom’s Award

1. Jackie Potts (William Fox Pitt).

2. Lynne Parkinson (ILPH).

3. Catherine Owen (Zara Phillips).

Dodson and Horrell Young Horse Awards

Dressage: ShowTime (Contango x Demokraat) owned by Mrs P Green (Berks).

Show jumping: Limelight de Breve (Allegreto x Une Passion) owned by Laura Renwick (Essex).

Eventing: Kings Gem (Rock King x Kings Mistress) owned and bred by Mary King (Devon).

Dodson and Horrell World Equestrian Games award

Flint Curtis (William Curtis x Zircon) bred by Edward and Robert Nicholson (Lincs).

British Breeding Scroll of Honour

Laurie’s Crusador (Welsh Pageant x mare by High Top) bred by Three Ashes Stud

Merial Meritoire lifetime achievement award

John Rawding

Merial Animal Health is inviting nominations for the prestigious Merial Meritoire award, which goes to the person who is making, or has made, an outstanding contribution to the sport horse and pony breeding industry.

The award will be presented at the Annual British Breeding Breeders’ Dinner on Saturday 13 January 2007, at the Grange City Hotel, in London.

The winner is not revealed until the night, and last year’s winner Joanna MacInness, had no idea until the last minute that she had won. “I am absolutely thrilled, and it was so unexpected,” she said after receiving the award.

Clare Parry Baggot, from award sponsors Merial Animal Health, said: “We believe the outstanding contribution that breeders make towards the UK breeding industry should be recognised, and as a company are delighted that we are able to present this award.”

Nominations are now open, so if there is someone who you believe has made, or is making a valuable contribution within this sector of the British breeding industry, the message is don’t hesitate to put them forward.

Nominations are confidential and the closing date is Friday 1 December. Nomination forms can either be downloaded from the BEF website, www.bef.co.uk, or by contacting the BEF office (tel: 02476 698 871).

The great and the good of British Breeding gathered together in London recently for the annual British Breeding Breeders’ Awards Dinner, organised by the Supporters of British Breeding.

Joanna MacInnes was shocked to receive the Merial Meritoire award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the breeding industry. MacInnes has been breeding horses and ponies of the highest quality for some 40 years, including standing the leading sport horse sire Java Tiger until his death in 2001.

“I’m speechless,” she said. “I didn’t recognise myself at all from [Desi Dillingham’s] description.”

The Dodson & Horrell Young Horse Awards for the mare or stallion aged seven years or less who have been most successful in their sport during 2005 were won by:

• Dressage: Wolke Sieben, owned by Sarah Pidgeley
• Show jumping: Romanov II, owned by Tracy Forrest
• Eventing: Kings Fancy, bred by Mary King

The British Eventing young horse award winners were: four-year-old Ideal Rock, by Rock King and bred by Edith Rutherford; five-year-old Epic, by Magic Story and bred by Carolyn Bates of the Grafham Stud; and six-year-old Skylight, by Jumbo and bred by Christian Landolt. Mary Guinness’ Tamarillo won the Dodson &Horrell Ltd award for the top British-bred horse at the European Championships.

The South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB)/British Breeding Young Horse Evaluation Awards went to Mezzanine, bred by Jonathan Crapp (dressage); Ulster, bred by the Solland Stud (show jumping); and Trescothick, bred by Preci Spark Stud (eventing)

The former racehorses that have gone on to become successful competition horses were recognised in the popular SEIB Retraining of Racehorses Awards. The award winners were:

• Affiliated dressage – Kings Piper, ridden by Liz Harcombe
• Affiliated eventing – Fosse Hill, ridden by Caroline Powell
• Affiliated endurance – Rostreamer, ridden by Linda Burrows
• Affiliated showing – Millimeter, ridden by Emily Curtis
• Affiliated show jumping – Swift Alliance, ridden by Jonathan Martin
• Unaffiliated competition – Handsome Badsha, ridden by Fiona Avagnano

The dinner included awards for ponies for the first time this year, thanks to support from Ponies Association (UK) and the Sports Pony Studbook Society (SPSS). The Ponies (UK) dressage pony performance award went to The Importance of Being Ernest, bred by Ruth Thacker and Jane Flavell; the jumping award went to Echo Wold, bred by Mrs A Sowerby; and the eventing award to Bletchenden Fanfare, bred by Sandra Ide. The SPSS award for the top native pony sire of performance ponies was awarded to Carregcoch Bleddyn of Machno Stud.

Many of the most talented ponies currently competing at national and international level are British-bred and in recognition of this, British Breeding has introduced two new awards to go to the country’s most successful pony breeders.

The Performance Pony Awards, sponsored by Ponies Association UK, will focus on the most successful ponies competing in the sports of dressage, show jumping and eventing during 2005.

There will also be an award for the leading native pony sire of performance ponies competing across the three Olympic disciplines, supported by the Sports Pony Studbook Society.

BEF’s Equine Development and Breeding Head Jan Rogers says: “We are delighted to recognise breeders who produce quality ponies and be able to acknowledge their valuable contribution to the British breeding industry.”

The two new awards will feature at the British Breeding Breeders’ Awards Dinner at London’s Grange City Hotel on 14 January 2006 to recognise and celebrate the success, versatility and long-term performance capability of the British-bred pony.

Also being awarded during the awards dinner will be:

• The Young Horse Awards, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell
• British Eventing’s four, five and six-year-old horse awards
• South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) and Racehorses to Riding Horses Awards for retrained racehorses
• Kuster BEF Groom of the Year Award, sponsored by Grange Hotels
• SEIB Young Horse Evaluation series awards
• Special award for best British horse at the European Championships, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell
• Merial Meritore Award for lifetime achievement

Large- and small-scale Thoroughbred breeders are to be honoured in the 2004 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) awards, which are taking place in London on 11 January.

Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms takes the Queen’s Silver Cup for leading British-based flat breeder for the third year.

Pivotal, who stands at Cheveley Park Stud, scoops both the BBA Silver Cigar Box (for the leading British-based stallion for earnings) and the Barleythorpe Stud Cup for Cheveley Park (for the leading British-based stud in terms of winners).

Dubai Millennium (GB), who died of grass sickness in 2001 during his first season at stud, is honoured with the Tattersalls’ Silver Salver for leading British-based first season flat sire.

Kirsten Rausing’s Alouette (GB) scoops the HJ Joel Silver Salver for broodmare of the year, and the TBA Silver Rose Bowl for flat breeder of the year goes to Lord Derby’s Stanley House Stud, recognising the achievements of Ouija Board.

Attraction, another 2004 star, earns the Flat Special Merit Award for the Duke of Roxburghe’s Floors Stud. Elite Racing Club, owner-breeder of Soviet Song, takes the Langham Cup for small flat breeder, the first owners’ syndicate to do so.

Alflora, from Shade Oak, takes the Whitbread Silver Salver for the leading active British-based stallion for earnings, and the H&H Cup for individual chase winners.

Laurel Diver, the only mare kept by Sue Mills, gains the Dudgeon Cup for leading national hunt broodmare, and David and Anne Hockenhull of Shade Oak Stud in Shropshire are the recipients of the Queen Mother’s National Hunt Achievement Award.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (6 January, ’05)

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now