Equestrians recognised in 2012 New Year’s Honours List
Former World Horse Welfare chairman Christopher Hall (pictured) is one of several horsemen to be recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.
Mr Hall, who stepped down from the post on 31 December, was honoured with an OBE for services to equine welfare.
Mr Hall was a successful rider and trainer of point-to-pointers as well as a steward of the Jockey Club and former chairman of Olympia horse show.
He became chairman in 2006. During his time in the role, he helped develop links with the European Commission, Defra, the British Horseracing Authority and the British Equestrian Federation, raising the charity’s profile and influence.
He was also the driving force behind the change of name from ILPH to World Horse Welfare.
“I have worked closely with horses in a number of different ways for many years and have been lucky enough to meet many wonderful people along the way,” he said.
Also honoured was former trainer Peter Walwyn, who received an MBE for services to horseracing.
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Peter, who retired in 1999 and is now 78, was twice champion Flat trainer.
Major wins include the 1975 Derby (with Grundy), 1974 Oaks (Polygamy) and 1970 1000 Guineas (Humble Duty).
He is still chairman of the Lambourn Trainers Association.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” he told H&H. “I’m very lucky to have had so many good horses and this is marvellous.”
And Daphne Hamblin, trustee of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, where she has been a volunteer since 1990, was awarded an MBE.
“It has been wonderful to play a part in enabling disabled young people and many from inner-city communities to ride, and to see how it helps them gain confidence,” she said.
Malcolm Wharton, principal of Hartpury College, Glos, was appointed CBE for services to further education.
Peter Grace, founder of Ascot Park Polo Club, received an OBE for services to polo.
Denise Coates, founder of online betting service bet365 received a CBE for services to the community and business.
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (12 January)
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.