British Horse Society Recognises 'Unsung Heroes' of the Horse World

The British Horse Society showed its appreciation to the individuals and organizations who have supported the leading equestrian charity’s work - at an awards ceremony in London.

The BHS presented 23 awards to individuals or organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to the BHS's work, at the event at Saddlers' Hall in the City of London.

The prestigious awards – presented by the Society’s President Desi Dillingham - highlighted the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes on behalf of Britain's horses and riders.

Patrick Print, Chairman and a Fellow of The British Horse Society, 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."

The 2008 award winners are:

Mrs Sarah Bucks, Access Award
Mrs Sue Montilla, Access Award
Cambridgeshire County Council, Access Award
The Forestry Commission East Anglia, Access Award
The BHS Scotland Committee, Chairman’s Commendation
Mr Tony Parker, Leo Harris Award
Mrs Vera Harrison, Leo Harris Award
Angelo Telatin BHSI, The Overseas Award
RAF Leuchars, Safety Award
Miss Sarah Bassett BHSI, The BHS Silver Stirrup
Mr Mike Kidd & Miss Chris Pollett, The BHS Silver Stirrup
Mr Eric Smiley FBHS, Trainers Award
Miss Jane Hemingway, Welfare Award
Mr Bryan Freemantle, Welfare Award
Mr Frank Armstrong, Welfare Award
Miss Alice Jaggard, Youth Award
Miss Melanie Scott, Elwyn Hartley-Edwards Award
Mrs Alison Harris, Award of Merit
Miss Grainne Sugars, Award of Merit
Mrs Sue Quarendon, Long Service Award, 30 Years
Mrs Cherry Elvin, Long Service Award, 30 Years
Mrs Jane Kerswell, Long Service Award, 25 Years
Mrs Juliet Worsley, Long Service Award, 30 Years

For further information and pictures, please contact: The Communications Department, The British Horse Society, 01926 707737 or communications@bhs.org.uk 

November Awards 2008 - Full citations:

Access Award, for the BHS member who has done most for equestrian access:
Mrs Sarah Bucks, Ilminster, Somerset

Sarah has undoubtedly become one of our foremost experts in the field of historical research into access, through her work at the National Archives at Kew and in local record offices. She has undertaken research at Kew for many of our RABOs, CABOs and affiliated bridleway associations, and has introduced interested people to the archive. Sarah’s input is especially important following the demise of the Discovering Lost Ways Project, of which the optimists originally had such high hopes. Without Sarah’s research, and the work she inspires other volunteers to do, the BHS would have much less to show in the way of restored riding rights to pass on to future generations of riders.

Access Award, for the BHS member who has done most for equestrian access:
Mrs Sue Montilla, Havant, Hampshire

Living as she does in Havant, close to Portsmouth and the built up area of the South Coast between Southampton and Chichester, Sue is well placed to appreciate the predicament of riders in or close to the suburbs where open space is at a premium and the bridleway network is very disjointed. Nor is their predicament in any way alleviated by a county council which shows little apparent appreciation for the difficulties encountered by horse riders and ever increasing motor traffic.

Despite, or perhaps because of this, Sue has made a major contribution to the Rights of Way Improvement Plans now completed by the county council. She also sits on the Local Access Forum, representing young people and horse riders, where her contribution is of enormous importance.

Access Award, for the Local Authority most active in opening up equestrian routes:
Cambridgeshire County Council

The Cambridgeshire County Council Countryside Access Team led a project to deliver sustainable transport measures in the new town of Northstowe and this has resulted in a good network of riding routes.

While other councils have favoured cycle-only routes, the Cambridgeshire team broke new ground (metaphorically and literally) by creating a rights of way network for future residents of the area. New rights have included four new bridleways and two bridleways upgraded from footpaths. Road verges linking paths were also improved in three locations. These routes link to a new bridleway along the route of the Cambridgeshire Guided Byway, so providing a joined up network.

Works have included improved drainage, surfacing, gates and horse stiles, bridges, fencing, destination and distance signage, improved way-marking, interpretation boards, a website and maps printed on waterproof paper.

All in all, this is an excellent demonstration of what can be achieved by an imaginative and determined local authority.

Access Award, for the Public Agency which has done most for equestrian access:
The Forestry Commission East Anglia

In 2005 The Forestry Commission purchased Jeskyns Farm, a 360 acre site in Kent, just south of the Thames Gateway Development Area, to create a new open space for the local community and for wildlife. Two existing Byways crossed the site but in addition to these, The Forestry Commission has opened a new five Kilometre ride. This will eventually form part of a larger horse riding circuit which will include land owned by the county council, the Highways Agency and other landowners. Horse riders are not required to buy a permit to use this ride, which makes it accessible for children and for people on limited incomes, as well as for those who only ride occasionally. It also means that the larger equestrian circuit, of which this is one of the first parts, will be free at the point of use.

The BHS particularly welcomes this, demonstrating as it does the true spirit of the longstanding concordat between the BHS and The Forestry Commission in England.

Chairman’s Commendation, for exceptional work by a Committee:
The BHS Scotland Committee

The BHS Scotland Committee receives this Chairman’s Commendation as a result of their quite remarkable success in promoting the BHS in Scotland, not just to potential members but to politicians at all levels. They have also secured the approval of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen.

Despite its size, there are only two members of BHS staff in Scotland so the committee must take a major share of the credit for the recent huge rise in membership. In particular the committee pulled out all the stops at the Blair International Horse Trials in 2008, bringing people along with them, raising funds and overtly recognising the efforts of others.

More generally, they have made the BHS fun and an organisation that people want to be part of. As in much of life it all comes down to people and their energy, imagination and enthusiasm. For this the Scottish Committee of the BHS thoroughly deserves recognition.

Leo Harris Award, for outstanding service to the British Riding Clubs’ movement:
Mr Tony Parker, West Haddon, Northamptonshire

Tony Parker has been a committee member at Rugby Riding Club for over 20 years, competing at all levels until injury forced an early retirement. At club level he is always available to help build courses, arrange social evenings, steward, judge or do any of the 101 things which make a club function smoothly.

Tony has been Area Secretary since the 1990’s and one of the Area Official Stewards for the past five years. He attends all Area events, but can’t just watch: he will always ask if there is a job to be done - then goes and does it.
Many people will know Tony from BRC Championships. He will always undertake any job given to him in his own cheerful style. He is invariably helpful to competitors and is always one of the last to leave an event after helping with break down. It is people like Tony who make the riding club movement the success it is.

Leo Harris Award, for outstanding service to the British Riding Clubs’ movement:
Mrs Vera Harrison, Bedlington, Northumberland

Vera Harrison’s passion for horses and ponies started early. Coming from a large and far from affluent family she lived her dream by riding around on pretend horses. The dream became a reality when the Harrison family moved to Bedlington in 1975 and a pony was purchased.

Vera has been the backbone of the Bedlington Blyth and District RC for 32 years. Her commitment to club members past and present, and to the welfare of the horses and ponies, continues to be total. A committee member since the beginning of the club, it now forms a major part of her life.

In 2005 Vera suffered a major illness but even this did not slow her down. Although recently retired from the committee, her heart remains with the club, and she still offers her services as part of the arena party, event organiser or anything else that needs doing. Vera is one of the stars of the riding club movement.

The Overseas Award, in recognition of service to The British Horse Society overseas:
Angelo Telatin BHSI, Werwinna, Pennsylvania, USA

Angelo Telatin lives and works in America. Entered onto the BHS Register of Instructors in 2004 by virtue of his Italian Qualification at International Level 2, his Italian background has not inhibited his enthusiasm for the BHS exam system. Indeed, he was instrumental in introducing BHS exams at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, being fully convinced of the advantages of offering courses leading to BHS qualifications. In June 2007 the college ran its first Stage 2 exam, gaining a 100 percent pass rate with 12 candidates. In 2008 the college ran further successful exams, with dates for 2009 pending.
As well as training Delaware students, Angelo found the time to do some training of his own. Earlier this year he travelled to England to sit the Stable Manager Exam, returning a little later to complete the Equitation and Teaching exam in order, eventually, to qualify as a BHSI. We are most fortunate to have such a committed ambassador for the BHS in the USA.

Safety Award, for the person, persons or community group who have done most to promote equestrian safety:
RAF Leuchars, St Andrews, Fife

The BHS is very grateful indeed to RAF Leuchars for the seriousness with which it takes its responsibilities towards horse riders. It has worked hard to help encourage the use of high visibility gear by riders and to publicise the MOD low flying helpline in areas where helicopters routinely operate.

The Station supported BHS Scotland hugely this year when they were the benefiting charity at Blair International Horse Trials. They provided a raffle prize, a pipe band, ground support from the trade stand team and, most spectacularly of all, a parachute drop to promote the low flying helpline.

But RAF Leuchars deserves this award primarily because of the support they have given to the BHS’s work to promote safety in Scotland over the last three years – a period during which the RAF has been greatly stretched in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, closer to home, in supporting civilians in areas of the UK that were devastated by flooding.

The BHS Silver Stirrup, in recognition of support for young riders:
Miss Sarah Bassett BHSI, Bonvilston, Glamorgan

If the Children’s Riding Project in Wales is a success then it is Sarah’s dedication which has made it so. For the last four years she has worked with youngsters from across the social and educational spectrum, including some with very disturbed backgrounds.

During that time Sarah has developed a teaching plan that allows these young people to learn the art of riding and pony care whilst also boosting their self-confidence in a secure but happy environment.

For most of these children it will have been their first contact with horses; and for many it will have been the first time they have experienced such an enjoyable and healthy activity in many months or years.

Sarah has an excellent rapport with the children and through her quiet and sympathetic, but firm, teaching approach she provides a fine example of the benefits that can accrue from an association with horses.

The BHS Silver Stirrup, in recognition of support for young riders:
Mr Mike Kidd & Miss Chris Pollett, Wrea Green, Preston

Chris Pollitt and Mike Kidd run the BHS Approved Wrea Green Equestrian Centre, near Preston. By developing partnerships with commercial and public sector career training centres, they have devised and implemented the Horsepower Project, offering government funded training for school leavers to take their BHS Stage I, II and III and the PTT examinations.

In developing the scheme, Chris and Mike have promoted many of the BHS Approved Riding Schools and they, too, have become an integral part of the scheme as they help to deliver the training.

The continuing success of the scheme has led to its receiving the go-ahead for expansion throughout the North West.

Chris and Mike’s contribution to the development of training and to the ongoing promotion of BHS Stage Training and Examinations is highly commendable and it is fitting that they should receive this formal recognition of their work.

Trainers Award, for the person who has made an outstanding contribution to equestrian training:
Mr Eric Smiley FBHS, Ballynahinch, Co. Down

During his years as a Cavalryman, Eric trained with Ben Jones at Melton. Of Eric, Ben commented: “He has a great natural flair for equitation. When jumping he has that gift of rhythm and timing, on any type of horse.”

After leaving the Army, and equipped with his BHSI qualification, he first established an equestrian centre specialising in event horses before he and Sue set up their present establishment at Fir Tree Farm.

In the 1980s Eric built up a string of excellent horses and gained his first team selection in 1985 for the European Championships at Burghley. Since then, he has represented Ireland at the highest level on many occasions.

Eric has conducted clinics around the world, from America to Dubai and South Africa to Denmark. In 1995 he qualified as a Fellow of the British Horse Society, and has since brought a fine blend of competition experience and education to audiences of all levels.

For 18 years Eric was Director of the Golden Saddle Scheme, which identified talented children in all disciplines and coordinated training bursaries.

Welfare Award, for contribution to equine welfare over many years:
Miss Jane Hemingway, Mexborough, South Yorkshire

Jane Hemingway’s contribution to equine welfare has been key to the success of the Society. She has been a County and Regional Welfare Officer for many years and was Chair of the Regional Welfare Officers Committee for nearly a decade.

Jane retired from this position in 2007 but remains the Yorkshire Regional Welfare Officer. Here she continues to be an inexhaustible source of knowledge and support for county welfare representatives in her region. She is ever available to assist a welfare representative, if necessary travelling many miles and giving up a great deal of time to do so. Jane also offers valuable support to staff at Stoneleigh and can be relied upon to attend welfare concerns very promptly.

Jane is well liked and respected within her region and has achieved much by forging close relationships with other welfare organisations. Thanks to her endeavours, the lives of countless horses and ponies have been improved. 

Welfare Award, for outstanding dedication to equine welfare: 
Mr Bryan Freemantle, Honingham, Norfolk

Bryan Freemantle has been a BHS County Welfare Representative for many years and Regional Welfare Officer since 2004.

In April 2007, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into force, representing the most significant change in welfare legislation for a century. The Act created several new offences, placing a different emphasis on the type and nature of possible actions and prosecutions. Legal powers for enforcement have also changed and, for a while, it was unclear what the consequences for BHS welfare would be. However, Bryan led the way in clarifying how we should best continue our work within the new parameters of the Act.

Bryan is the driving force behind a serious, ongoing, case. It is somewhat pioneering for us as it is the first case the BHS has led which has required extensive invocation of the 2006 Act. He has worked closely with Trading Standards Officers and representatives of other welfare organisations, most notably Redwings. If, as we sincerely hope, the case reaches a successful resolution, it will be in no small measure attributable to Bryan’s hard work.

Welfare Award, for best achievement to advance the welfare of all equines:
Mr Frank Armstrong, Maidstone, Kent

Frank is a team leader in the Kent Police Force Control Room, overseeing countless incidents each year. These include incidents involving horses straying onto the public highway, causing danger to motorists and to themselves. And we are pleased to record that, in his handling of all horse-related incidents, Frank displays a commendably high regard for the welfare of the horse.

Frank has established robust procedures for the management of horse incidents in Kent and has done much to raise awareness, both within Kent Police and with other organisations, of how the procedures work. In addition, he has established a good rapport with other agencies, giving enhanced confidence to those who operate the scheme.

In an effort to improve procedures still further, Frank recently arranged for the BHS to train every operator in the Control Room on the welfare implications of horses which have strayed on to the highway. We are very pleased indeed to have this opportunity to recognise publicly Frank’s commitment.

Youth Award, for a person under 25 years who shows outstanding potential or achievement: 
Miss Alice Jaggard, Glenalmond, Scotland

If Alice Jaggard is typical of our younger members, then the BHS is entering into a golden age of volunteering. It was, as much as anything else, Alice’s enthusiasm and energy in helping BHS Scotland fundraise at Blair Castle International Horse Trials in 2008 which make her so deserving of this award. She secured a sponsor for the fundraising bid, the services of five top event riders to lead course walks and commandeered an army of almost 60 other volunteers to rattle tins, man tearooms and left luggage services, and help with the various attractions. It should be recognised that Alice took the conscious decision to volunteer for BHS Scotland this past summer instead of earning proper money in preparation for her return to university to undertake primary school teacher training.

Alice is an extraordinarily organised young person and her colleagues report that she was a pleasure to work with. 

Elwyn Hartley-Edwards Award, for the equestrian writer of the year:
Miss Melanie Scott, Kilbirnie, Ayrshire

Melanie Scott has been a member of the BHS for several years but in her capacity as Equestrian Editor of the Scottish Farmer (the most widely read weekly farming publication in Scotland) she has helped the BHS promote its activities and has always provided editorial space for all articles from the BHS Development, Tourism and Access Officers.

She has never been backward in contributing at all times, even through adversity. She reports accurately and positively on all aspects of BHS Scotland and UK giving plenty of column space for all disciplines.

She is a keen rider and has been World adult mounted games champion three times on her pony Tessa. Melanie has been a tremendous support to the staff in BHS Scotland and retains the respect of all. 

Award of Merit, for excellent service to the Society over a period of years:
Mrs Alison Harris, Ackworth, West Yorkshire

Alison is a very unassuming person - always keen for those around her to receive recognition and praise before herself. She possesses an innate ability to bring like-minded people together, and communicates easily and eloquently with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Her ability to lead, motivate and get the best from others is evident.

Funds in the Yorkshire Region and West Yorkshire County Committees, at both of which she is at the helm, remain buoyant, reflecting well on her commitment to fundraising activities. And her committees are effective because she herself is successful in encouraging members to bring their own ideas to the table.

As a member of Ackworth Riding Club and Endurance GB, and as a longstanding supporter of the RDA, Alison promotes goodwill and collaboration, always keen to work on joint ventures and encourage cooperation across the piece.

Alison is respected not only for her good sense but also for her commitment to getting the job done. She is a most effective emissary for the Society, who recognises the importance of all departments and their place in the organisation. She extols the value of BHS membership wherever she goes, and can always be relied upon to promote BHS activities and recruit new members as a result.

Award of Merit, for excellent service to the Society over a period of years:
Miss Grainne Sugars, Rathcoole, Co Dublin

Grainne Sugars is the proprietor of the BHS-Approved Calliaghstown Riding Centre. She has helped pioneer both the BHS Examinations system and the Equestrian Tourism Exams in the Republic of Ireland, having held BHS and Equestrian Tourism Exams at her own centre for many years.

A BHS Examiner for fifteen years, Grainne is a stalwart of both systems. She has supported and led the Equestrian Tourism Advisory Committee for eight years, championing the standards which have made these qualifications
pre-eminent in the field. A good leader and ready listener, with her fellow committee members, Grainne has ensured that BET exams are run with a rigour which guarantees that the highest standards are maintained.

If we had to hold up one person as both guardian and champion of the Equestrian Tourism Qualifications, then that person would be the BHS’s own ambassador in the Republic of Ireland, Grainne Sugars. 

Source: www.bhs.org.uk