Heather Bowman’s loyalty and commitment to the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) was recognised when she received a coveted Award of Merit from HRH The Princess Royal at the League’s Annual Seminar in Newmarket.
In 1991 atthe age of 17 Heather Bowman, from Arbroath, organised a horse show to raise funds for Belwade Farm, the ILPH’s newly opened Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre at Aboyne.
It was a modest affair, but nevertheless raised around £200 for the ILPH.
Over the past nine years, Heather’s horse show has gone from strength to strength – last year’s event running to six arenas with more than 200 competitors.
Despite the huge expansion she has always managed to cover her costs with prizes, including cars, being donated by local firms.
All the money she raised has gone directly to the ILPH and thanks to her efforts the Belwade Centre now has a trailer, horse walker and part of a new building.