Fancy joining the ranks of LA28 Olympic equestrian volunteers? Applications to be part of the crew at the Olympic (14 to 30 July 2028) and Paralympic Games (15 to 27 August 2028) are now open.

Applicants are asked to select up to two zones in which they would prefer to volunteer – the equestrian events are taking place in the Arcadia zone. The online form states that “preferences will be taken into consideration, but cannot be guaranteed”.

People are asked to give a first, second and third choice of role. These include sport, driver, medical, operations, technology, ceremony, communications and more.

Nine-time Olympic champion Carl Lewis, who won four gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, is an official ambassador for the LA28 volunteer programme; he said that “the role of a lifetime is waiting”.

“I know what it means to compete on the world's biggest stage, and I know first-hand that the magic of the Olympic Games is not just made by the athletes – it is made by the people who show up to support them,” he said.

“Los Angeles has always shown up for me, and now it's our turn to show up for the world. If you want to be part of something historic, apply today.”

Up to 60,000 people will make up the volunteer crew for the 2028 Games. Some roles require specialist skills, for areas such as medicine and translation, and there are spaces in the application form for people to highlight these.

“In 2028, the world’s attention will be on LA as the world’s best athletes make history, but it's the crew behind the scenes that help make those moments possible,” said LA28 chief executive officer Reynold Hoover.

“Their impact cannot be overstated – behind every event, every venue and every moment will be the LA28 volunteer crew, ready and eager to play a vital role in the delivery of the LA28 Games.”

For information, visit: https://volunteer.la28.org/en

● Do you enjoy volunteering? What have been some of your favourite memories and why should people get involved? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

• To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Being safe and steady is a huge part of what makes a good therapy horse; an equine who is handled or ridden by someone with a physical or learning disability needs to be ultra-trustworthy. However, according to Emma Briggs, head of coaching at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), this doesn’t mean a therapy equine is a one-size-fits-all stamp.

“People assume the RDA just does therapeutic riding – in reality, there’s so much more on offer,” she tells Horse & Hound. “We offer carriage driving and vaulting, as well as competitive equestrian disciplines like para dressage and showjumping. In the middle, we have an increasing program of non-ridden, equine-assisted activities. This includes Tea with a Pony, a sensory activity designed for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions like dementia.”

Emma adds that equestrian activity of all kinds has the power to unlock a never-ending list of benefits to participants. “I’ve only been in post a few months and I have witnessed improvements in communication skills in non-verbal participants, right through to increased confidence in socially anxious people who have come out of their shell. And for wheelchair users, carriage driving is an accessible physical activity, and a great way to enjoy the countryside.”

The RDA currently has 2,500 equines in use across the country who are owned, loaned or hired by the nearly 400 charities that make up the RDA federation. However, the RDA has a problem: 2,500 equines are insufficient to meet demand. What’s more, furnishing the charity with horses is becoming increasingly cost-prohibitive.

“Horses are key to our mission and without a supply of high-quality equines we can’t continue to deliver our life-changing impact,” Emma continues. “Our challenge is there’s a massive under-met demand for our service, and we always need more. However, finding those good RDA horses has got harder, and the cost of buying them has spiraled.”

Saxon, the RDA riding horse

When Kady Chatman, coach and trustee at Saxon RDA, Wiltshire, went to try a green but calm and willing black Irish cob for the group, she knew she’d found something special. When she found out his name was also Saxon, taking him home was written in the stars.

Kady tells us temperament, steadiness and reliability are what makes a good therapy horse – all things that Saxon has in spades, and qualities that helped him win the charity’s equine of the year award in 2023. He didn’t come to the group ready-made, but it wasn’t just the then-seven-year-old gelding’s eagerness to learn that made him perfect for the RDA. According to Kady, often what makes a good therapy horse is being young in years.

“A common misconception is that people think RDA horses are old and slow,” she says. “In fact, they need to be able to switch between so many different roles and have the right brain. So, while they need to be calm and predictable for therapeutic sessions, we also do para dressage, endurance and showjumping, so they need to be alert and lively too.”

Kady says Saxon couldn’t canter a 20m circle when he first came to the group, but he became fitter and stronger quickly through riding school use before stepping up to provide sessions for riders with disabilities. RDA horses have to be comfortable with being led and what the charity calls sidewalkers – volunteers who walk next to the rider, on one or both sides, to assure the rider’s safety, or explain the teacher’s instructions. While this can be quite an adjustment, according to Kady, Saxon took it in his stride.

“He’s a gem of a horse who can switch and do absolutely everything,” continues Kady. “He’ll do a therapy session with a wheelchair user riding him, and then an hour later he’s taking our autistic level four showjumping teenager over a course of 70cm jumps. And then in the afternoon, he might be stood being groomed by children.”

It wasn’t completely smooth sailing for Saxon. He tended to toss his head, and an equine dental technician confirmed it stemmed from wolf teeth fragments embedded in his gum, which were removed. Saxon was given ample time off to recuperate and Kady enlisted a loriner to recommend a suitable bit.

“I ended up going to a tack shop to buy a bit for him that cost over £100,” she explains. “When I paid and said it was for an RDA horse, I was asked why I was wasting my money. It makes me angry because it shows people don’t consider it important. Ultimately, he deserves the best equipment we can afford.”

Sam, the RDA carriage horse

From Wales to the streets of London, carriage horse Sam adapted well to life in Park Lane Stables in Teddington. “We didn’t actually go to see Sam, we bought him on a recommendation,” explains Park Lane RDA manager Natalie O’Rourke. “I did wonder how he’d adapt, but he came off the lorry straight into the stable and started munching on hay, which was great.”

Natalie says Sam, who is the RDA Horse of the Year for 2024, has a consistent, even temper and a loving personality – he loves people and is patient with them. “Blind people drive him, which is a massive thing,” Natalie tells us. “When we’re loading a wheelchair onto the carriage, you have to be able to trust the horse completely. We have a wheelchair user with epilepsy who comes from 40 miles away every week. Sam gives him all this freedom and sensory input.”

Natalie says it’s important that the relationship with RDA horses is two-way. “We’ve got a duty of care to ensure our horses have a good life,” says Natalie, “and we want them to be like willing team members. We choose to be part of RDA, but at the end of the day, horses don’t make that conscious choice. We strive to make sure they are all happy in their work and have enough time in the field and chilling out.”

How horses are matched to the RDA

“RDA groups vary in terms of what they offer, and their participants. So groups will choose horses based on the specific activities they run, and the people they are working with,” explains Emma, when asked what makes a good therapy horse. “We don’t take horses under five. Horses at the end of their working life are unsuitable because they need to be fit and sound.

“Many participants have reduced or restricted mobility, so the horses need to be responsive to aids – including voice aids.”

Natalie adds that horses with high-octane former careers can be the perfect fit. “We were given some ex-polo ponies, who are just amazing. They are really responsive and great for riders with limited dexterity, and they’re so patient. They’re used to doing one chukka and then waiting around, so they’re happy to stand.”

Emma explains that training is vital to ensure participants can mount safely. “A lot of horses aren’t taught to stand at the mounting block properly,” says Emma. “Riders without disabilities often just put one foot in the stirrup and go, so the horse starts moving off. Our horses have to stand well for their riders to safely mount, especially where hoists and hydraulic lifts are used.”

The act of riding can be an incredible form of physical therapy. Emma describes a young rider with cerebral palsy who has such improved core strength that she no longer needs sidewalkers. “Her physical strength has improved so dramatically just from walking on a horse, that she’s now competing in para dressage,” she says. “For this reason, an active walk is really important for our participants.”

Additionally, Emma says that horses need to be both people-orientated and willing to adapt because their experience in a ridden session will differ vastly from able-bodied riding lessons. “There’ll be more people in an arena and we might use things like soft toys in a session,” she explains. “We also use bending poles and hoops on the floor and horses need to be resilient enough to tackle this calmly.”

Emma says that new horses are never over faced and receive training, but they need to be innately adaptable. “We offer such a broad range of activities and the scope of participants is very broad. This means we’re delivering therapeutic riding while also helping people train to compete in our regional and national championships.

“There isn’t just one type of RDA participant, and there isn’t just one type of RDA horse to fit all – we need a range, from lead-rein ponies, to ex-competition horses.”

What makes a good therapy horse? How to get your horse involved

Suitable horses can be sold, gifted, loaned or hired out to RDA groups. “Anyone who thinks they have a suitable equine can get in touch with us, fill out a form and their details will be shared with the RDA network,” says Emma. “Any interested groups will be put in touch with you. Some people reach out directly to their local RDA group and loan their horses session by session – there are lots of ways to help.”

Potential RDA horses are assessed by an experienced RDA coach, or equine advisor to ascertain suitability. Horses who are gifted, purchased or long-term loaned are checked by a vet too.

“Any horse participating in RDA activity gets free vaccinations and free worm egg counts,” adds Emma. “All our horses enjoy hugely varied working lives, downtime and the very best care. We do everything possible to ensure RDA horses have excellent lives. They’re at the heart of what we do.”

Emma’s ultimate message to owners is that if they think they have an animal that might make a good therapy horse, just reach out. “Come and speak to us. We can’t deliver equestrian activity to our 25,000 participants without enough fit, healthy, and adaptable equines,” she says.

“Your horse could be instrumental in delivering a huge amount of positive impact. He’ll have a great life and be fantastically well cared for. If you think your horse would thrive in the RDA, we can put you in touch with a group where he can make a world of difference to people. He’ll be adored by those people in return.”

• Know an equine who might make a good therapy horse? Contact the RDA by emailing equine@rda.org.uk or use this form to submit details of your horse

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An annual award honouring the invaluable contribution of volunteers has been launched by a rider with terminal cancer, who has given countless hours to the sport.

The Sally Wood Volunteer Award, created in collaboration with BEDE Events, will be presented by Sally during the prizegiving at Osberton Horse Trials (3-6 October).

Sally Wood, 69, has volunteered at equestrian events on and off for much of her life, including Chatsworth, Osberton, Burghley and events in the Derbyshire, East Midlands and South Yorkshire areas.

“I always feel that as a volunteer you don’t do it for thanks, you do it because you love the sport and you want to be involved,” she told H&H.

“At events there’s often different awards for the local rider and grooms, but without the volunteers, events would never happen, and I want to acknowledge that.”

Sally was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January 2023, and given 18 months to live.

“I’ve outlived my diagnosis and I’m on borrowed time, so I thought it was quite a nice time to do this. I got in contact with BEDE, who I’ve volunteered for a lot over the years, and said, ‘Why don’t we get together and create an annual award for volunteers?’” said Sally.

The award will take on a different focus each year, for example one year a volunteer might be honoured for length of service, another year might acknowledge an unsung hero, or someone who has gone over and above. This year’s award will recognise a volunteer’s “consistent contribution and flexibility”.

The winner will receive a trophy and prize, which for 2024 is a course-walk with Lucinda Green and a yard tour with Pippa Funnell.

Sally, who received the 2023 British Horse Society unsung hero award for her contribution to the equestrian community, believes it is important to encourage volunteers to keep coming forward, and has called on more of the younger generation to get involved.

“No matter what discipline you’re doing, you need volunteers. It’s good fun being involved, it gets you out and about and you might get to meet people you wouldn’t normally,” said Sally.

“One minute I’ve found myself talking to Ros Canter or Oliver Townend, then the next minute you might be talking to someone who is nervous about doing their first BE80. For me it’s been lovely. I used to volunteer for full days, but it’s very boring having cancer and I get too tired, so now I take a chair with me and do shorter hours. But you can still be involved – there’s always a job as a volunteer to suit you and what you like doing. You’ll always get guidance and help. People are very supportive and it feels like its own little community.”

Sally said it was volunteering that inspired her to start eventing in her 60s with her gelding Rauri.

“When I retired, having done a lot of work at events I thought ‘Why not give this eventing lark a go?’, and so I bought a four-year-old, then joined British Eventing when I was 60,” she said.

“We just clicked. We learned from each other and we had the best time. It got to the stage where we did so well together, that I thought if I’m going to sell him it would have been the right time – and people were queuing up to buy him, but when I got my diagnosis I decided I didn’t want to sell him. We’d built up this trust together, and I can do anything with him.

“My friend Josie and her daughter Claire came along, and they said they would foster him and then adopt him when I die – and it’s perfect. It means I can still see him, and ride him when I can, and Claire events him. They won the Shelford BE90 in May, and then were eight at the regional final at Frickley on 15 August. We’ve been together 10 years, and I think he knows that I’m nothing like as strong or good as I was, but we’re ok and he’ll stick with me and see me through.”

• To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the National Dressage Championships, Blenheim Horse Trials, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The FEI has been criticised for its “Putinesque” handling of the International Eventing Officials Club (IEOC), by removing it as an official stakeholder.

The FEI has terminated its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the club, which means it is no longer recognised as the official organisation representing eventing officials’ views.

The FEI said there had been a “breach of trust and general breakdown of the relationship” with club management, so “no further dialogue or collaboration is possible”.

But IEOC chairman Andy Griffiths told H&H the club was “very disappointed”.

“We tried to mediate,” he said. “We want to work together, and represent our members, and feel let-down now that we can’t. It’s a terrible situation, and I feel strongly that it could have been avoided, but the FEI didn’t want to mediate.”

The club said that for months, it had been in discussion with the FEI about issues affecting officials, and about the terms of the MoU, but was unable to resolve the issues amicably.

“We, therefore, felt we had no other option but to file a claim with the FEI Tribunal, requesting that the FEI comply with the MoU, to ensure that our members’ voices can be properly heard,” an IEOC statement reads.

“We received the FEI’s defence to that claim on 29 February. At the same time, and without any prior warning, we received notification that the FEI was purporting to terminate the MoU with immediate effect.

“On [1 March], and again without any prior warning to the IEOC, the FEI sent an email to eventing officials and published a statement online announcing its position that it has terminated the MoU with immediate effect.”

Mr Griffiths said the club is taking legal advice in relation to the FEI’s actions, and that it is open to negotiations to restore the relationship, as without the official recognition, the club has no voice.

“We have no official say in any changes,” he said. “Stakeholders can go to the FEI Sport Forum and give members’ views, for example, and that’s been taken away. It was a way to speak on members’ behalf. We feel very upset for our members.”

Top course-designer Mark Phillips covers the issue in his H&H comment this week.

He told H&H: “The FEI doesn’t want to hear from you unless you’re in agreement with what they’re doing. It’s totally one-sided. How can you be a worldwide organisation and make it impossible for people in the southern hemisphere to become a level four official? That was one issue the IEOC brought up but they didn’t want to know. They’re Putinesque; if they don’t like what you’re doing, get rid of them.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H the FEI had decided to no longer recognise the club as an official FEI stakeholder, so terminated the MoU with immediate effect.

“The MoU was based on trust and the mutual commitment to foster the growth of equestrian sport together in a respectful and harmonious manner,” he said. “Unfortunately, in the past months it has become evident that there is a breach of trust and a general breakdown of the relationship with the IEOC management.

“Seeing that no further dialogue and collaboration is possible, the FEI has decided to formally terminate the relationship with the IEOC, and thus terminate the MoU.

“Consequently, the IEOC will no longer benefit from the conditions offered to MoU, and the FEI will no longer recognise the IEOC as the international organisation representing the collective views of the FEI eventing officials. We would like to stress, however, that this decision does not impact the relationship of the FEI with its eventing officials in any way, with whom we wish to maintain a positive collaboration.

“In addition, we would like to remind national federations that the interests of eventing officials are represented on the FEI eventing committee by an eventing official.”

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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

A Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) volunteer who has been given an award for 25 years’ service has actually completed twice that time.

Anna Power, of the Unicorn Centre in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, was praised for her “enormous” contribution to the charity, with which she has been involved since, and just before, its inception.

“Anna, now from near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, was one of the pioneering volunteers when RDA started in 1969, and even before that,” a spokesman for the centre said.

“Her contribution to RDA over the years has been enormous, and she still continues in a fundraising capacity today.”

Anna said she first became interested in RDA as she had a cousin with severe disabilities.

“In the 1960s they were kept hidden away,” she said. “I and some other friends were persuaded to go carol singing on our ponies to raise money for an experiment at Winford Orthopaedic Hospital near Bristol where a physio was convinced there were benefits from using ponies for therapy. This was considered sufficiently unusual that we ended up with our photo on the front of Horse & Hound! This was all before RDA was even thought of.”

Anna was working in London in the mid-1970s, and found there was an RDA group at Knightsbridge barracks.

“By this time RDA had been going for a few years and there was a bit of framework to what we were doing,” she said. “The bonus to this group was that we got to have a free ride as the ponies had to be collected from stables in Bayswater and ridden across Hyde Park. One week when there was a hiccup and no ponies, one of the guardsmen volunteers got permission from his commanding officer for us to have a conducted tour round the stables and other facilities at the barracks. Another memory was muck disposal; everything got swept or barrowed to a spot where heavy doors were lifted up and you just tipped into a skip underneath. The loose boxes for the drum horses were massive and had extra reinforcement.”

Anna moved with her family to North Yorkshire in the 1980s and joined the Gt Ayton & District RDA group, where she “played a leading role helping with lessons and on the committee until it amalgamated into the Unicorn Centre group in 1998”. She continued at the Unicorn Centre as a coach for many years, and is an “enthusiastic fundraiser”.

Pat White, chair of the Unicorn Centre trustees said: “Anna’s contribution to RDA generally, and in particular to the Unicorn Centre, has been outstanding. We’re so grateful for her hard work and commitment and the impact she has made on people using our services has been immense.”

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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

An eventer who ensures she thanks volunteers at competitions was “shocked” to discover that on many occasions, she is in a very small minority who do the same.

Lucy Montgomery is urging her fellow riders to take the short time to thank fence judges, for example, as without these people giving up their time, the sport could not run.

She told H&H that twice this summer, at West Wilts (2) in August and (3) in September, she was drawn among the last competitors to ride across country.

“So on both days, I walked the course later,” she said. “Several hundred people would already have walked the course by then. We thanked each fence judge as we went round and had a chat, and a couple said we were only the second people that day to say thank you. Sometimes you might be walking a different class and a judge is in a different place so you might miss one or two but we try really hard to speak to them all.”

Lucy said she has also volunteered herself.

“You have to sacrifice your time and although sometimes it’s a lovely day, there are many that aren’t and you might not necessarily want to be there at all. I work in events and hospitality and really appreciate it if someone thanks me. It takes so little time, and it’s free; I don’t see why people shouldn’t be thanked for giving up their time.”

Lucy added that not only do volunteers not get paid, the days will often cost them money, as well as time.

“My mum was speaking to a fence judge the other day; it was over two days of a weekend and it had cost her about £60 in fuel, so that’s her cost,” she said. “We spoke to another fence judge at Dauntsey who was beyond grateful we’d taken the time to thank her – we were the first that day – and she was as passionate about it as I was. It’s sad to hear and it makes me really angry when people say that; it happens more often than not.

“Just take the time – I’m pretty sure Lucinda Green always says thank you; it doesn’t matter if you’re a big name or an amateur like me or an owner, it takes nothing but could make a big difference – and without them, we’ve got no sport.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

FEI officials have raised major concerns about the way they are treated – as one has been “driven” to resign after 26 years.

Christian Landolt told H&H it was a very difficult decision to leave, and it saddened him, but his “values are so far from the FEI’s current values, I can no longer be a representative”.

Mr Landolt has officiated at eventing championships and CCI5*s, and said he has seen numerous cases of abuse of officials.

“I’ve had one [chef d’equipe] coming at us really strongly over a flag issue. I said, ‘Your attitude was unacceptable’. He said, ‘I know, but last time I did it, we got penalties removed’.

“Colleagues have had riders call before the dressage to say, ‘You judged me badly last time’, people saying they’ll get lawyers involved.”

An incident after a US event, Mr Landolt said, “hit me for six”. He said he got an “aggressive” text from a rider he had had to sanction for a welfare issue, which “attacked my integrity and personality”. He told the FEI, but said they said it was US Equestrian’s (USEF) responsibility.

“It was an FEI competition and I was an FEI judge,” he said. “But little was done.”

Mr Landolt would like clearer rules and sanctions.

“Bullying and intimidation will not go away unless there are rules, fit for purpose and consistently applied,” he said. “Most victims are reluctant to notify the FEI for fear of reprisals, being discredited, or simply ignored.

“We don’t have contracts or salaries from the FEI but we’re at their mercy and have to comply with their every word,” he said. “It costs us money and we do it for the love of the sport but there has to be support. Without us, there’s no sport.”

Mr Landolt cited the “division between those in the office and on the ground”, with which a current official, who H&H will not name, agreed.

“It’s been wrong for years,” the official said, adding that the FEI does not always seem to take feedback on board.

The official agreed on rules, adding: “If athletes want to complain about an official, they can, to the FEI, but if they’re intimidating or abusive, the FEI should deal with them; national federations dealing with athletes’ behaviour at FEI events doesn’t work, it’s passing the buck.

“I’m aware abuse goes on, and officials probably won’t put their heads above the parapet and report it if they’re ambitious. We should all be able to work openly with the FEI for the good of the sport.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H multiple cases of verbal abuse, “is not the information we are receiving”.

“In 2022, we received five reports on similar issues; about 4,500 officials had worked at FEI events,” she said. “In our experience when interacting with officials [they] do not feel restrained about sharing views on such topics with FEI HQ, so we find it difficult to believe this issue is as widespread as this official insists.”

The spokesman said the FEI has rules on behaviour and a disciplinary procedure for minor offences, plus a safeguarding policy against abuse and harassment.

“When there is an alleged incorrect behaviour incident, the FEI liaises with national federations (NFs) as they are closer to their athletes. The FEI expects the NF to take any measures/sanctions. NFs often apply different rules and/or codes of conduct. The FEI may open proceedings, but there is no obligation, especially if the NF has taken action.”

She said the rider who texted Mr Landolt was dealt with by USEF at FEI request; fined and put on probation. She said the FEI dealt “extensively “with Mr Landolt, his lawyer and USEF and considers the matter closed”.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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

Equestrian sport cannot function without an army of willing volunteers – and while there were concerns that the impact of Covid-19 might leave the sport short, nothing could be further from the truth. H&H finds out how changes owing to the pandemic is bringing volunteering into an exciting new era...

New technology and events running behind closed doors are bringing volunteering in equestrian sport into a new era, with potential new recruits told there is no time like the present to get involved.

Currently, volunteers have some of the few front-row seats to watch live sport.

Extra days to cater for entry numbers, social distancing measures and new technology have led to a new look to volunteering and – for some events – more new faces.

“We had the most phenomenal response from volunteers and were almost oversubscribed, which was lovely,” said Anna Buntine of Bede Events, which organised Aske (11–12 July) on the opening weekend of the sport’s restart and has since held unaffiliated eventer trials.

“People were marvellous and really keen to get out. We’ve had a few new ones, which is always nice. We are very fortunate to have a database of around 600 to 800 people, but we always welcome more!”

Mrs Buntine added they are working with volunteers to ensure everyone feels safe and nobody is in a role where they feel uncomfortable.

“The most important thing is that people feel comfortable, they feel safe and that we are safe,” she said.

Before sport restarted, Bede kept in touch with its volunteers through frequent Zoom quizzes. Now, it has moved to online briefings and drive-in kit collection points, which have proved popular and eased time pressure. They have also moved from buffets and bun runs to packed lunches.

“They are slightly longer days, even though we are restricted on numbers, as riders are all running on two-minute intervals across country. That means we aren’t finished before 6–6.30pm, and I don’t feel I can ask people to volunteer [for a whole day without giving them something to eat].”

Sarah Skillin, who helps organise Little Downham, said the sport “would not function” without volunteers.

“We ran six days of sport in two weeks and had no trouble getting volunteers – normally I would have a bit of a last-minute panic that I didn’t have an arena party, for example, or people would drop out,” she told H&H.

“People have been so flexible and especially helpful. The current situation has brought community spirit to the fore. Our volunteers are really passionate about what they do. Everyone has really pulled together with the mindset of ‘We are going to get this done, get the sport up and running and do it well’.”

Ms Skillin added that new technology, including video briefings, online deployment information and the cross-country app (news, 9 July), have worked well and save time.

Like Bede, Little Downham worked with people’s preferences to ensure everyone felt safe, happy and valued.

“We had two volunteers who were happy to be paired up to fence judge – they sat outside two metres apart with their picnics and had a lovely day,” she said.

“Other people who wanted to come, but are looking after shielding parents, so said please could we not put them with anyone else – and that is also absolutely fine. They had a lovely time as well.”

Aston-le-Walls director Nigel Taylor told H&H the venue has seen quite a few younger volunteers as well as more riders giving up time.

Rider and owner Tess Bishop helped at Aston and Tweseldown and frequently volunteers at other venues.

“I really enjoy it and it gives you a better appreciation as a rider as to what goes into running an event,” she said, adding she felt “very Covid-safe”.

“Luckily, this is a sport where you don’t have to get near anyone. Eventing cannot run without volunteers and people think someone else will do it, but if you don’t, who will? It’s always a very social day and it’s good to give back to the sport.”

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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

When chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £750m government support package for frontline organisations last week, animal welfare charities were not mentioned. H&H finds out what impact this is likely to have on equestrian organisations in the voluntary sector...

Equine and animal welfare charities struggling during the coronavirus pandemic do not appear to be included in emergency government funding.

H&H has reported that charities have been hit hard by movement restrictions, as visitor centres close and open days and other events have had to be cancelled, as are the shows at which the charities often had trade stands.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £750m government support package for frontline organisations last week, but animal charities were not mentioned.

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), which has set up an emergency appeal to support its groups that have lost all income from activities, said it understands the government’s focus, essentially on charities delivering immediate and frontline support during this crisis.

“But it means thousands of community groups like RDA groups are at risk of closing permanently before the crisis is over,” a spokesman told H&H.

The RSPCA told H&H its staff have continued to work, and thousands of animals are still being cared for.

“But our resources are strained and our fundraising has taken a huge hit,” she said.

“Times like these show just how crucial charities are to support the most needy in society and although this package is a start, it is just not enough to safeguard the voluntary sector to ensure we will continue to be there for the most vulnerable, whether human or animal, into the future.

“We are keen to see the detail of the aid package but we have been designated essential workers by the government with a crucial role to play rescuing animals and supporting owners through these tough times. We believe that our services are vital and that we should be able to access the available aid to make sure we can continue to provide these services.”

A Treasury spokesman said: “Our £750m of funding will support charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis. All charities have access to support including the coronavirus job retention scheme, which enables them to furlough staff.”

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Teaching and “giving back” to organisations like the Pony Club has been a way of life for point-to-point trainer Doreen Calder

I collect horses and at present I have about 35 in total, including four broodmares, their foals and older offspring. The majority live outdoors and we have seven in, which we hunt. Later in the year we will point-to-point some of the others. Ordinarily, the mornings are spent feeding the outdoor ones and riding the ones that are in with my helpers Jenny Foster and Nicki Richie.

In the afternoon I deal with anything that needs doing on the farm. I did learn to drive a tractor years ago, but I was so bad at it that they didn’t let me do it very often – it’s one of the lessons you learn in life, not to look too competent at anything.

I have been helping people to ride for 40 years or more. I love encouraging people with their riding and teaching them to get pleasure out of what they can personally achieve, rather than comparing themselves to others, which can be disheartening. I think it’s important to be kind to children and tell them they’ve done well.

In 2018, I was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to equestrianism and the community of Berwickshire. I like to think it’s because I’ve picked up lots of poles and put up lots of showjumping courses. I’ve always had a lot to do with the Berwickshire branch of the Pony Club, of which I’m now the president. I was master of the Berwickshire hunt, organised the local horse trials at Duns and I am chairman of the South Lammermuir Riding Club.

When I was growing up in the 1950s and ’60s, all farmers kept horses which they would hunt and point-to-point; several members of my family point-to-pointed with varying success. My father was a good amateur jockey who rode for Stewart Wight, a leading National Hunt trainer in the ’50s.

In 1969, when I was 20, I was selected to make up a British team to travel to Australia with the Pony Club. While we were there we competed against teams from America, New Zealand, Japan and Australia. I was billeted with a family called the Jacksons and ended up staying there for two years and coming home overland via Kathmandu. I am still in touch with the Jacksons and I am very grateful to the Pony Club for giving me that experience at a time when gap years were unheard of.

My first point-to-point ride was not a success. My father had a horse called Flying Eye who had won 13 point-to-points and two hunter chases and I was allowed to ride her. I had just got back from Australia and I was quite stout, plus I’d put lead in my hunting boots to make the weight right. Flying Eye fell and afterwards I realised she probably hadn’t seen the fence because I was so close to the horse in front.

It did get better and I went on to have about 97 wins. Sixty of these were on Flying Ace, Flying Eye’s son, but the figure is recorded as 59 because I lost the weight cloth after winning a race at Kelso and couldn’t weigh in.

The biggest lesson horses have taught me is patience. I think we are inclined to humanise horses and imagine that they think like we do, which is a mistake. Most of the time they’ve given me a lot of pleasure – from watching foals in the field to winning a point-to-point – and I enjoy sharing that with others.

Ref Horse & Hound; 26 March 2020

Next month will mark the end of the road for a popular grassroots event.

After 10 years of running British Eventing’s (BE) Stafford Horse Trials fixtures, organiser Amy Dixon is stepping down from the role following July’s event due to health reasons.

Amy ran the first event at Park Farm in April 2005 when she was eight-months pregnant with her first child, Leah.

Since it began, the event has grown hugely and now welcomes around 800 combinations at each of its two events a year.

Amy told H&H the thing she is going to miss most is the “family” of volunteers.

“They are incredible in their skill set and what they bring to the event,” she said.

“We have a great time.”

It was after a run of being balloted from events when she was competing that Amy had the idea of setting up her own event.

The late Colin Furness, who was BE regional director at the time, said to her that they needed more events and if she didn’t like being balloted that she should run one.

They looked at two venues and decided Park Farm in Weston Road, Stafford.

“He has literally put everything into it,” said Amy of the land owner Richard Williams.

She added she is “so glad” to have put effort into grassroots eventing and spoke highly of the role 80cm events have in introducing people to the sport.

Amy, who also works in property, said she “absolutely cannot wait” to spend more time with her two daughters Leah and Poppy.

She added her girls are upset at the loss of the events and wanted her to give up “every other bit of work” apart from this.

The pair both help their mum with the running of the competitions, Leah by pole picking and Poppy by selling “horse pick ‘n’ mix”, such as chopped carrots to competitors.

Amy said she is going to keep them both involved in eventing and there are a number of nearby competitions they plan to volunteer at.

Equipment from Stafford Horse Trials, including cross-country fences, will now be sold via tender.

“The best thing that can come out of this now is other events can benefit from buying second-hand equipment,” said Amy.

For more information email: organiser@staffordhorsetrials.co.uk

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Point-to-point, like many equestrian disciplines, is heavily reliant on volunteers. From those providing hospitality in the sponsors’ tent to those treading in the divots at the back of the fences, without them it would be very difficult for our sport to function.

Money inevitably changes hands for the provision of some services, such as medical support, but many people give up their time free of charge, largely for the benefit and enjoyment of others.

One key party that regularly gets overlooked, often in exchange for little more than a goodwill payment and a “by kind permission of” tucked away somewhere within the racecard, is the landowner.

Plying my trade for Fisher German LLP in the world of land agency means that from Monday to Friday, property and land prices are at the forefront of my mind. But at Chipley Park a couple of weekends ago I drove off the course feeling guilty about the mess we had left!

The land in question has been home of the Tiverton Foxhound point-to-point for as long as I can remember and, during the forgettable 2001 foot-and-mouth season, was the scene of my first winner.

Owned by the Summers family, by 5pm on 19 January 2014 it resembled little more than a quagmire after 108 horses had contested a 10-race card on rain saturated ground.

My own crude calculations suggest somewhere between 20 and 25 acres turned from green field to brown mud bath on that day, yet it will be restored and farmed over the next 364 days with one day in 2015 in mind.

Such commitment represents a significant practical and financial investment from the landowners, which is often forgotten.

Gratitude must go out to the Summers family and all who allow hunting and pointing to take place on their land for the pleasure of so many.

Darren’s column was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (6 February, 2014)

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“Help”, reads the headline on the Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Pony Club branch’s website.

It’s a plea for assistance to prepare an old laundry on the Dalmeny Estate that serves as kitchen, dormitory and dining room for camp, but Kim Gordon fears only the usual four or five faces will react.

The branch has even gone so far as to say deposits will only be returned if parents and members attend to help set up and clear away after camp.

These strong-arm tactics are necessary, otherwise few would help, said Mrs Gordon, who resigned as district commissioner (DC) earlier this year.

“I’ve noticed this [change in] attitude over the past three years,” she told H&H. “Before that, people seemed more willing to help.”

Horse & Hound surveyed 25 Pony Club branches to see if Mrs Gordon’s experience is widespread – 18 said they were having increased problems finding volunteers.

Parents no longer seem to understand the “self-help” ethos of the Pony Club, said Badsworth DC Charles Warde-Aldam.

“There’s a perception that you pay your money and turn up,” he said.

And the Bedale and West of Yore Hunts branch reports that, with many more working mothers, finding parents who can commit to a week at camp is difficult.

“They are not willing to use up a week’s leave on camp,” added DC Victoria Thomas.

Pony Club headquarters has the same problem, said spokesman Clare Walkeden.

“Trying to get volunteers for our championships has been more of a task than

previously,” she said. “People seem to have so much on.”

Other branches cite the rise of non-horsey parents who lack the confidence to offer to help out or don’t understand how Pony Club works.

New trends causing problems

• More working mothers and parents able to offer less time
• Increased specialisation and professionalism among members
• Shorter, more intensive training demanded
• Parents expect to pay up and be provided with a service
• Parents demand more sophisticated accommodation and horse facilities
• Children have more outside activities
• High cost of diesel means less keen to travel
• Waning interest in horse care among members and more focus on competition

Would you like to share this article with your Pony Club? [Download the full article as PDF]

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More than 70,000 volunteer ‘Games makers’ will be helping at this summer’s Olympics. But despite the excitement of those involved, there’s one overriding query – where will they stay?

Some of the 1,700 equestrian volunteers for the London Olympics fear they may have to reconsider their offer to help as they struggle to find accommodation in – or near – the capital.

Prices are high and many low-cost options, including campsites, hostels and university rooms, are already booked up. And with the added issue of not yet knowing what shifts they will be working, it’s proving a problem.

Although the problems are similar for most sports, one volunteer – who wishes to remain anonymous – believes the problem is more acute for equestrianism, as most knowledgeable helpers live outside London. And those working the full two weeks could face big bills.

“It looks as though it’s going to be a pretty expensive ‘holiday’, but the situation was made clear right from the beginning of the application process,” she added.

“Ultimately, it comes down to whether you want to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I do, so I’m trying not to think about the cost.”

Rider and instructor Martin Renfry, who will be working in press operations, said the main problem was not knowing what shifts he would be required for.

“It’s hard as you don’t know when you’re needed,” he said. “We’ve block-booked 17 nights in a campsite in Kent in case. Now it’s sorted, I’m relieved.”

But Olympic organiser LOCOG said the matter is in the volunteers’ hands.

“We understand finding accommodation will be difficult and expensive, but we were open and clear from the start that volunteers would have to find where to stay on their own,” a spokesman for LOCOG told H&H.

A new “online community” will be launched later this month, said LOCOG, to help volunteers connect with each other.

“The online facility is to help people meet up, talk and possibly group together. They’ll also be able to share their experiences as well as photos and videos,” he said.

And H&H already has a free-to-use online help section in our forum, through which those heading to Greenwich – but struggling to find accommodation – might hook up with local people who have accommodation or camping space available.

Visit www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums to register.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (8 March 2012)

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The Donkey Sanctuary has launched an appeal for donkey enthusiasts to volunteer at its headquarters in Sidmouth, Devon.

Sue Cockayne from The Donkey Sanctuary’s Human Resources department said: “We would like to invite more volunteers to help us with various aspects of our work, whether it is office-based, talking to our visitors, outside with our teams keeping The Donkey Sanctuary looking great or spending quality time with our donkeys.

“There are many opportunities for people to help us and we would love to hear from anyone with a few hours to spare.”

Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they like, whether it is a few hours a week or a few hours a month. Full training will be given.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact volunteer co-ordinator, Kay Faulkner, on 01395 573066 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/volunteer for more information.

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Riders can boost their equestrian qualifications for as little as 25% of the usual cost in return for 20 hours’ volunteering in the equestrian sector in the capital.

The initiative is part of London 2012’s plans to leave an “equestrian legacy” after the Olympics.

“This is a great opportunity to get people into London’s riding centres,” said a spokesman for backers the HOOF Rider London Olympic Legacy project.

Courses, which are all funded through the Mayor’s Legacy Skills Investment Fund, range from British Horse Society stage exams to first-aid and cross-country course-building. The fund will also enable centres to host training towards Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and Pony Club badges.

Volunteering must be carried out in London but attendees can live anywhere in the UK and can complete the 20 hours at their own pace.

The British Equestrian Federation’s David Gadsby said: “The potential of this funding is huge — it’s almost too good to be true.”

The Greater London RDA has seen an uptake in volunteers and has run over £5,000-worth of subsidised courses.

Chairman Diane Jeffries said: “This is a great initiative to encourage those considering volunteering, giving them the skills to support their community.”

Zara Rossiter, a yard manager at Penniwells Riding Centre for the Disabled, attended a subsidised course.

“I learnt a lot more about how to interact, talk to and explain things to disabled riders, especially the visually impaired — volunteering has added a sense of fulfilment to my day,” said Ms Rossiter.

Victoria Padolsey, 50, is new to equestrian volunteering.

“This is the most rewarding of all the volunteering I have ever done — the results are wonderful and each week someone does something amazing, whether it’s a rider or a volunteer,” she enthused. “When you are offered training you automatically feel part of the group and hopefully this will benefit riders,” she said.

Seven riding centres across the capital are hosting volunteers. They are Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre (Hammersmith), Trent Park Equestrian Centre (Enfield), Lee Valley Riding Centre (Clapton), Woodredon Equestrian Centre (Waltham Abbey), Greater London RDA (various locations throughout the city), Vauxhall City Farm (central London) and the London Horse Network.

For more details about how to get involved e-mail: jodievm@aol.com

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (23 June, 2011)

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A new award for young equestrian volunteers has been developed by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) to encourage and inspire 13- to 25-year-olds who volunteer to help in the equestrian industry.

The Young Equestrian Leaders Award (YELA) was launched at Windsor (report, 19 May) and is open to those who help at any affiliated equestrian event. The award has three levels — bronze, silver and gold — depending on the number of hours worked.

For more information, email: kdowning@rda.org.uk.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (2 June, 2011)

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The Pony Club held its annual Cubitt Awards ceremony at Stratford Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon, yesterday (7 June).

Forty-five volunteers attended the ceremony to receive their awards this year, with an impressive combined service of over 1000 years between them.

The Cubitt Awards honour the hard work of those who have given at least 20 years of voluntary help to The Pony Club.

The awards are named after the late Hon Guy Cubitt, who was chairman of The Pony Club for 25 years and president from 1970–1979.

This year’s awards were presented by Cherry Michell, current chairman of the Pony Club.

She said: “The Cubitt Awards are such an important day for us, as it gives us a chance to meet our exceptional volunteers face to face and really thank them for all they do for us.

“It is a privilege to present the awards and an occasion I always look forward to”.

For a full list of recipients click here

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 British Horse Society (BHS) has told equestrian employers not to worry about a new government “vetting “scheme.

The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) will be introduced in phases, starting in July next year, as a register of people working with children and vulnerable groups.

Ellie Layton of the BHS said: “Everyone who works with children and vulnerable groups will have to comply, but we’re advising people not to panic yet.

“We’ll let people know the details over the next two or three months.”

The new scheme was initiated following the Soham murders in 2002 and is being run by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in conjunction with the existing Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, which enable employers to check criminal records of potential employees at a cost of £36.

The VBS is intended to be further reaching than the CRB, and include information “beyond that held by police”.

The ISA said responsibility will rest with employees to register themselves, though many employers will foot the bill. Volunteers must also register, but at no cost. The VBS will be administered with the CRB, and the combined cost will be £64.

Teresa Patrick, owner of Cloud Stables in Reading, Berks, said: “Riding schools don’t make much money anyway. The checks sound quite expensive and may have an impact on how much work we do with disabled riders.”

Janet Baker, owner of Bold Heath Equestrian Centre, near Widnes, Cheshire, said: “I think it’ll have an impact — enough riding schools are closing down anyway.”

Voluntary registration starts in July with mandatory registration for all new employees and volunteers from November.

All employees and volunteers working with the target groups must be registered by a date that will be set in 2015.

This news story was first published in H&H (24 September, ’09)

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The Horse Trust, the famous horse sanctuary in Buckinghamshire, has put out an urgent plea for volunteers for the busy summer season.

Based at Speen, near High Wycombe, the charity’s home of rest is a favourite attraction for horse lovers.

Over the years it has taken in hundreds of horses, including retired military horses such as those injured when the IRA bombed the Queen’s Lifeguard — a detachment of the Household Cavalry — in the early 1980s, the most famous of which was Sefton.

Yard manager, Shirley Abbott, said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone who loves being around horses.

“Volunteers are needed to help out with a variety of activities around the yard including grooming, bathing the horses, mucking out, gardening, selling ice creams and helping the general public.”

There are also office positions in welfare, fundraising and administration.

74-year old Pat Audley, who recently lost her husband Harry, said: “The staff and horses here have really helped me get over the loss of Harry. I feel calmer when I’m here.

“Volunteering for The Horse Trust is a lifeline for me. My favourite job is taking the two drum horses, Leo and Janus, out to the fields. When they get near the gate, they can’t wait to get their halters off and bound off into the fields. It’s very rewarding.”

Volunteers are needed for every day of the week (7.30am-4.30pm) but particularly between 2pm-4pm, when the sanctuary is open to the public.

All volunteers are buddied up with a Horse Trust employee to help them through the early days and are given health and safety training. You have to be at least 15 years old.

If you’d like to get involved, call Shirley on 01494 488464 or email her at Shirley@horsetrust.org.uk

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Two new achievement badges to promote welfare and volunteering will be introduced by the Pony Club this month.

There are now 33 Pony Club badges on offer to members from the youngest to the lorinery badge aimed at B-test level. They are awarded for a wide range of skills.

The new badges are the result of a collaboration between the Pony Club, the Blue Cross and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Blue Cross equine education officer Kerry Doyle told H&H: “Education is a massive part of our organisation because neglect comes from ignorance.”

The Blue Cross welfare achievement badge will be awarded to members who pass 10 welfare-related achievement tests, including the treatment of minor injuries and recognising when a horse needs a farrier. Each test can be completed at a Pony Club camp or rally.

The RDA volunteering achievement badge will be available to members aged 12 years old and over who, during a six-month period, volunteer and train on four separate occasions with an RDA group.

Volunteering activities will include leading ponies, helping prepare for lessons and events and caring for the animals.

RDA chief executive Ed Bracher told H&H the charity had long been keen to establish a formal link with the Pony Club: “We hope the badge will open the eyes of the equestrian community to volunteering, as well as helping young people work with their disabled peers to see what these riders are capable of.”

Pony Club training secretary Jenny Yates said: “Volunteers are the backbone of the Pony Club, so to have the RDA badge to encourage and train young people to volunteer, and hopefully retain them is beneficial.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (13 November, ’08)

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The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has thrown its weight behind a programme to boost the number of its volunteers.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the RDA — without them the organisation would not exist. I am confident this [drive] will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the RDA and the service we deliver to so many people,” said Ed Bracher, RDA chief executive.

The volunteer development programme kicked off last month, thanks to a £25,000 grant from the Freemasons charity.

It will include open days to drum up interest and issue volunteer handbooks. These handbooks will set out guidelines on issues such as how to manage difficult situations, marketing for groups and providing volunteer rewards.

Training will also be set up for group volunteer co-ordinators to manage new recruits. The organisation is also offering incentives such as employability and community volunteering certificates and Duke of Edinburgh Awards to its volunteers.

National volunteer development manager Rebecca Kemp, a new full-time member of staff, said: “At the RDA you can make a real difference. If you work with a child over a series of months and see their progress, it’s really worthwhile.

“This is the first time RDA has had funding to help volunteers. We hope that after three years we will have given groups the toolkit they need to continue.”

RDA has more than 23,000 participants and 17,000 volunteers. But there is currently a long waiting list for riding lessons.

The organisation anticipates that a further 1,700 volunteers, including 425 aged from 14 to 25, will be recruited within the next three years, thanks to the project.

Volunteers do not have to be horse experts as there are roles in admin and fund-raising roles.

Ms Kemp added: “The more volunteers we have, the more sessions we can offer and the more people we can help.”

For further information on how to volunteer, visit www.rda.org.uk.

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Volunteering at Badminton Horse Trials (3 – 6 May) is a great way to enjoy the competitive action whilst helping a worthy cause.

Both Badminton’s official charity for 2007, the Spinal Injuries Association, and the ILPH are looking for helpers at this year’s horse trials and at other events throughout the season. Tickets (not grandstand or enclosure), lunch and refreshments are supplied to volunteers in return for helping at trade stands or selling raffle tickets.

ILPH volunteers at Badminton will help at the trade stand but will be given plenty of time to look around the show. “It’s a great opportunity to do something for a really good charity,” said Danielle Zitman, ILPH events officer. “The ILPH exhibits at 11 events throughout the year and volunteers play a crucial part in helping us raise funds, recruit new supporters and raise our profile.” T-shirts, lunch and refreshments will be provided by the charity.

Volunteers for the Spinal Injuries Association will need to work only half the day at Badminton, assisting with exit collections and selling the National Raffle ticket. They can spend the rest of the time watching the eventing and shopping.

“We’re also going to provide really nice food,” assured Alycia Collins. “We’re not just giving volunteers a voucher to go to the fast food stands. They can sit down and enjoy good food and a glass of wine.”

Badminton final scores

If you are interested in volunteering to help the Spinal Injuries Association at Badminton contact Alycia Collins (tel: 01258 861119, email: alyciacollins@btinternet.com)

To volunteer your help at the ILPH trade stand visit www.ilph.org or contact Louise Laing (tel: 01953 497246, email louisel@ilph.org)

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Committed Pony Club volunteers who have served the organisation for over 20 years have received the prestigious Cubitt Award. While major efforts are being made by the government to encourage the public to take up the mantle of “volunteer”, the Pony Club proudly presented awards to over 50 volunteers at a lunch ceremony in Stratford-upon-Avon today.

The annual award gains its name from Hon Guy Cubitt who was the Chairman of The Pony Club for 25 years and President from 1970 – 1979, and is awarded to volunteers who have been nominated by their particular branches.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Pony Club,” said a spokesperson for the Pony Club, the country’s biggest youth organisation which boasts over 44,000 members.

“The organisation has today been recognising the contribution of many of its longstanding volunteers through the annual ceremony to mark the presentation of The Cubitt Award.”

Between the 50 recipients, over 1,000 years of voluntary service was represented.

For a full list of Cubitt award winners please visit www.pcuk.org.uk

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Exceptional equestrian voluntary groups and individuals were recognised at the annual British Horse Society (BHS) Awards at Saddlers Hall, City of London today.

Awards were presented to 15 individuals and groups, who have made an outstanding contribution in training, education, safety, access and welfare.

BHS Chairman Patrick Print presented the awards, highlighting the tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure a better understanding of equestrian needs.

“The BHS would fail tomorrow if we lost the support of our volunteers,” said Print, who is a Fellow of the British Horse Society, “But even this select group cannot get by without help from others. Time and again we come across local authorities, private companies, educational establishments and all manner of other people and organisations who give our work a real boost.”

In addition to the awards, the BHS also presented an Honoury Fellowship to leading equestrian Stephen Clarke. Having risen through the ranks of the Pony Club, Clarke competed at top level show jumping and horse trials before specialising in dressage. Clarke has judged at events including World Equestrian Games and Athens Olympics and now specialises in the development of young professional trainers, travelling regularly throughout the UK and abroad presenting training clinics.

BHS Awards 2005

• Access Award for the BHS member who has done most for equestrian access: Pat Clarke (posthumous award)
• Access Award for the public agency which has done most for equestrian access: Scottish Natural Heritage
• Access Award for the local authority most active in opening up equestrian routes: West Berkshire Council
• Access Award for the National Park most active in opening up equestrian routes: Brecon Beacons National Park Authority
• Access Award for the best carriage driving facility: Crychan Forest Association
• The Bodynfoel Award for the person who has done the most to promote the BHS: Barry Fehler, South Essex Insurance Brokers
• The Lady Elizabeth Kirk Award for the best voluntary dedication of a bridleway: Tarmac Ltd, North Yorkshire
• Leo Harris Award for outstanding service to the riding clubs movement: Val Malka (Warwickshire) and Jill Hillyard (Suffolk)
• Safety Award for the person, persons or community group who have done most to promote equestrian safety: The London Borough of Merton
• Sefton Awards for services to the cause of equestrian safety: Barbie Clarke (Wiltshire); Peter Hern (Hertfordshire); Kim Knightley (North Humberside)
• The BHS Silver Stirrup in recognition of support for young riders: Val Allen (Cardiff)
• Trainers Award for outstanding contribution to equestrian training: Judy Harvey FBHS (Milton Keynes)
• Welfare Award for outstanding dedication to equine welfare: Vivian McIrvine (Warwickshire)
• Welfare Award for extraordinary assistance by others to equine welfare: Chris Aegerter (Lingfield)
• Welfare Award for best achievement to advance welfare of all equines: Professor Derek Knottenbelt, OBE, Liverpool University

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