Jilly Cooper among equestrians in New Year Honours List

Jilly Cooper with her rescue greyhounds

(Image credit: John Millar/Country Life/IPC+Syndication)

Jilly Cooper said she was “incredibly bowled over” to be honoured with a damehood for services to literature and charity.

The author was one of the equestrians named in The King’s first New Year Honours List, which also recognises coaches and figures from the horseracing industry.

Jilly Cooper’s citation covers her career from a reporter on the Middlesex Independent in 1955 to a Sunday Times columnist and bestselling author of 47 books, including the hugely popular Rutshire chronicles and Animals in War, an account of the roles animals have played in human battles. She was one of the founding patrons of the animals in war memorial in Hyde Park and patron of many animal welfare charities.

Peter Jensen, lately chair of trustees of the Home of Horseracing Trust, and chair of the British Sporting Arts Trust, was appointed OBE for charitable service, and Julian Richmond-Watson, lately chair of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, was appointed OBE for services to the British horseracing industry. Richard Linley, lately senior inspector of courses for the British Horseracing Authority, was appointed MBE for services to horseracing. King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery commanding officer John Baileff was also appointed MBE.

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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

Jilly Cooper among equestrians named in The King’s new year honours

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “The New Year Honours List recognises the exceptional achievements of people across the country and those who have shown the highest commitment to selflessness and compassion.

“To all honourees, you are the pride of this country and an inspiration to us all.”

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