Unsung heroes honoured in the British Horse Society Awards

“Unsung heroes” who have worked tirelessly for the good of all horse riders and drivers are today being honoured by the British Horse Society (BHS) in London.

The BHS is showing its appreciation by awarding 26 individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to the society’s work.

The awards — given annually — will be presented by BHS president Desi Dillingham at the Saddlers’ Hall in the heart of the City of London.

BHS chairman Patrick Print said: “These award winners are the unsung heroes of equestrianism – people who quietly and ceaselessly graft away for the good of all riders and drivers.

“Their achievements are immense and we thank them for all they have done.”

BHS south west regional chairman Robert Sullivan-Tailyour was given the President’s Award, for his outstanding service to the society over a number of years.

Receiving BHS Access Awards were Adrian and Margaret Briggs for their tireless bridleway campaigning in Cornwall; the Ministry of Defence at Sennybridge for the creation of a 90km permissive route for riders, cyclists and walkers to enjoy on the Sennybridge Training Area and Caerphilly County Borough Council as the most active local authority in opening new routes for horse riders.

For their work in promoting the work of the BHS, the Bodynfoel Award was given to Sally Whitaker, organiser of the BHS diamond jubilee parade at the Royal Bath & West show and Nikki Moore, who created the diamond jubilee triptych to celebrate the BHS’s 60th Anniversary.

The Lady Elizabeth Kirk Award was presented to Somerset County Farms for the development of four new bridleways in three years.

The Leo Harris Award was presented by British Riding Clubs to Margaret Peverley for her services to mid-Somerset Riding Club.

Kathleen Fiske, chief instructor at Grand Cypress Equestrian Centre in Florida, USA, was given the Overseas Award in recognition of her work for the BHS in America.

Terry Jones, road safety officer for Ceredigion County Council was given the Safety Award in recognition of his work promoting road safety in the area.

The BHS Silver Stirrup went to Sarah Fitton for her work with young people and inner city children in Manchester; BHS Fellow Sue Payne one of only a handful of Fellows who examine for the Fellowship was presented with the Training Award.

For their work “extraordinary assistance” to the welfare of horses, The Horse Trust, rural safety officers Jim Green and Anton Phillips and horseman Simon Chidzey received the Welfare Award.

Active on access issues for more than 30 years, Carol Shoopman was given the BHS Award of Merit for excellent service to the society over a number of years, and Dr Harry Greenway received the Sefton Award for his work promoting good quality riding hats, and services to the cause of equestrian safety.

Thirty-year long service awards went to Tricia Brook (south-west Herefordshire district representative), Margaret English (access assistant, Devon), Pen Greenwood (West Sussex committee) and Donald Kear (West Sussex committee).

For 25 years’ long service, awards went to Brendan Byrne (chairman of London area one), Diana Russell (chairman of Shropshire), Gill Storrs (road safety representative, Avon) and Sally Whitaker (Somerset chairman).

Secretary and DABO of Dorset, Carol Shoopman, received the 20 years long service award.

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