Do you know an unsung equestrian hero? Nominate them for a prestigious BBC award
Nominations are open for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year unsung hero award 2021.
The award honours sports volunteers in local communities who go “above and beyond” to encourage people to participate in physical activity and those who have made a “lasting impact” on their community through sport.
Nominees must be 16 or older and can be involved in the sport in any way from steward to coach. Last year’s winner was Sergeant Matt Rantana, who won the award posthumously for bringing the community together to rebuild East Grinstead Rugby Club.
“If they have showed passion for their community and encouraged people to take up sport, then they could scoop the coveted award,” said a BBC spokesman, adding the awards will be supported by Made for Sport, a charity that champions the power of sport to change lives and shines a light on the organisations who successfully use sport to tackle major social issues.
“Unsung Hero is about recognising those in the community that have inspired people to take part in sports. Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen individuals step out, make a difference and use sport to transform their communities. They are true unsung heroes and it’s a privilege for the BBC to able to shine a light on their inspiring stories,” said BBC director of sport Barbara Slater.
Nominations close on 17 October, following which, finalists will be drawn from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the 12 English regions. A judging panel, made up of former sports stars and people active in sports volunteering, will decide the winner, who will be announced at this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on 12 December.
Visit www.bbc.co.uk/unsunghero to nominate via video, online webform or email.
You might also be interested in:
The H&H Awards are back! Tell us who you think should be there
Yards, charities and inspiration honoured at annual awards
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
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world

Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.