Equestrians recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

The tireless work by a number of leading names in the equestrian world was rewarded this month in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Nigel Elwes, chairman of Racing Welfare, former chairman of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, director of Kempton Park Racecourse and a trustee of the British Racing School, was awarded a CBE for services to the horseracing industry.

Eighty-three-year-old Robert Noble from Ayrshire received an MBE for voluntary services to equestrian sport, honouring 30 years as trainer of the Eglinton branch of the Pony Club games team, his work breeding Clydesdales and time given up as a judge.

And Marion O’Sullivan, 78, commercial director of DJ Murphy, has been awarded an MBE for services to the publishing industry and to animal welfare.

DJ Murphy, has contributed to horse welfare charities — including the building of

the Diamond Centre for Disabled Riders in Surrey, World Horse Welfare and the Donkey Sanctuary.

“I was totally taken by surprise by this great honour, as I feel I have not done anything special at all,” said Mrs O’Sullivan.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary proprietors Paula, 75, and Ernie Clark, 82, both received MBEs for their work running the Essex sanctuary — which houses 100 horses and ponies — for the past 25 years.

Other MBEs went to Lynne Kemp for services to Buckenham Horse Riding for the Disabled Group in Norfolk, and Raymond Lucas from Birmingham for services to shire horses.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (26 June, ’08)

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