Carl Hester ‘honoured’ to receive global dressage award
British dressage star Carl Hester has received a 2016 global dressage visionary award.
The award, which recognises individuals who have contributed to the growth and promotion of dressage, was presented during the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida (13 February).
US dressage chef d’equipe Robert Dover, who has represented the US in four Olympic Games, was honoured with the award earlier in the season.
“What an honour to win the same award as Robert,” said Carl upon receiving the award.
Carol Cohen, who presented Carl with his award, added: “We really look up to you here and we love the fact that you continue to come and support the riders and train incredible horses.”
The 2016 global dressage festival features 12 weeks of dressage competition from 13 January to 2 April.
This year’s annual festival will host seven CDIs and the only non-championship CDIO nations cup in the western hemisphere, as well as weekly US national events and a total of over $650,000 (£459,391) in prize money.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
British Olympic dressage rider Laura Tomlinson also received an accolade at the festival.
Related articles:
- Carl Hester’s jacket, Tripple X’s shoes and Robert Whitaker’s saddle pad up for grabs
- Carl Hester claims World Cup freestyle victory at Olympia *VIDEO*
- ‘First I’ve heard of it’ — Carl Hester clarifies the recent Valegro retirement story
She was presented with the best hands award for her “soft and quiet connection” with her horse, Unique.
“Unique’s such a big mover that every little correction really has a huge impact, so you’ve got to be very, very careful yet come through enough to keep it together,” said Laura. “It’s a delicate balancing act.
“She still gets nervous and tense in the arena, so it’s all about building up confidence and trust. The softer my hands, the more likely she is to trust me.”
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
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.