The horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2019, very kindly sponsored by RHASS, took place on Friday 1st March at Doubletree Dunblane Hydro.
These prestigious awards celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions within Scottish equestrianism, providing an opportunity to both acknowledge and congratulate the success, performance, effort and sheer determination shown by so many throughout the year.
Following a drinks reception, horsescotland Chair, Grant Turnbull, welcomed over 300 guests. Grant stated “ I am delighted to be involved in such a progressive equestrian community in Scotland and it it is tremendous to see the support of so many of our Member bodies. The quality and number of award nominations received this year has exceeded all expectation”. Special thanks were given to RHASS for their continued sponsorship support.
Highly respected ex National Hunt Jockey, Peter Scudamore MBE, took to the stage after an excellent meal and entertained everyone with an interesting and humorous speech.
Finally, the waiting was over and the winners were announced. Awards were presented by RHASS chairman, Allan J. Murray and Peter Scudamore MBE.
RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher, followed on by thanking horsescotland for helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RDA in Scotland before presenting the RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution award to Susie Elliot MBE. Ed expressed his gratitude by saying “Thank you so much to horsescotland for marking our 50th anniversary in this way and allowing us to show off the power and importance of our volunteers”
The full list of winners (Photography – Sinclair Photography):
Equestrian Business of the Year
Lindores Equestrian – Celebrating 30 years in business this year, Lindores Equestrian has supported not only the equestrian community but also Scottish tourism. They have listened to demands and needs and continually develop the business in response. Their focus on customer care is exemplary.
Employee of the Year
Jamie Turnbull – Jamie has made a significant contribution to Scottish Racing as an assistant trainer. His hard work and dedication helped produce the 2017 Grand National winner and in 2018 he worked with the team to produce a total of fifty winners. It is clear that he is an integral and pivotal part of the team at Arlary House Racing.
Youth Coach of the Year
Sean Henderson – Through his coaching, Sean has demonstrated a great ability to inspire confidence and to encourage riders to develop, participate and enjoy their sport.
Young People’s Coach of the Year
Jennifer Burnett – Over the past 10 years, Jennifer has coached over 200 horse and rider combinations. As a result, the Scottish Junior Tetrathlon girls team is consistently in the top four and the boys team have won twice.
Participation Coach of the Year
Martin Arnott – Martin shows a genuine desire to see both the horse and rider develop regardless of their experience or age. By building on traditional coaching approaches and using video review techniques, he helps riders to acquire the knowledge to train their own horses. He has also developed links internationally and delivered the UKCC platform in the United Arab Emirates.
Performance Coach of the Year
Andrew Hamilton – The judging panel were surprised that Andrew had not won this award before. He was one of the first in Scotland to complete the UKCC level 3 coaching certificate. A former British International Showjumper, he has been influential in working with riders at all levels.
Youth Performer of the Year
Nicole Lockhead-Anderson & Shaunie Greig – Joint winners, Nicole and Shaunie’s hard work has certainly paid off over the last year. Amongst several notable individual victories throughout the year, they were part of the gold winning British Pony Team, Team LeMieux, at the Pony European Championships, Bishop Burton in August 2018.
Award collected by Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) and Claire Lockhead-Anderson
Performer of the Year
Graham Babes – A member of the horsescotland elite performance squad, this young man has had many international successes in the last year. Graham was part of the British Young Rider team which took silver at the European showjumping Championships.
Award collected by Sandra Low-Mitchell
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Alexandra MacMillan – Alexandra is a dedicated young lady who has consistently proven herself to be reliable and competent with a true desire to learn. She has covered many miles in her volunteer role and is also an aspiring young judge.
Volunteer of the Year
Fiona Roebuck – Having spent 29 years as a volunteer on the the committee of the National Pony Society Scotland, Fiona is now the current Chair. Over the years she has shown unbounded commitment and continues to push forward the development of the Society. She dedicates her time to supporting the running of the light horse sections at various agricultural shows and following fifteen years of stewarding at the Royal Highland Show was recently elected Regional Director of the Light Horse section.
Club of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – There are many equestrian clubs in Scotland who offer exceptional support and facilities to participants. However, this club really stands out. They are committed to ensuring club members gain more than just equestrian aptitude by giving them life skills for the future.
Team of the Year
South of Scotland Select – Unbeaten in Scottish and British competition this team represented Britain in the 2018 European championships finishing fourth in their category. Highly motivated and very involved in their sport, most of the members are already coaching others towards future success.
Equine Breeder of the Year
Reay Campbell – Highly respected, Reay of Caledonia Dressage Horses has bred exceptional foals through her excellent breeding programme, providing many equestrians, not just in Scotland but further afield, with the opportunity to excel. She is a dedicated individual with many years of experience.
Owner of the Year
Gordon Grainger – Gordon has gone way beyond just providing a horse. By supporting the rider in all aspects of training and competing, his horse has gone on to compete and win. Rider and horse have so far excelled to become British Elementary Gold Freestyle Champions and British Elementary Gold Champions.
Writer of the Year
Emma Cheape – Through their writing to a national audience, an increase in participation has been reported along with increased support for charities. Emma has brought equestrianism to a wider audience through traditional print and online media
Equestrian Photo of the Year
Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – Equi-Power’s photo submission achieved over 1200 likes on the horsescotland Facebook page. A firm favourite with our public voters.
Lifetime Achievement
David Blair & Tom Best – Previousl school teachers, Tom and David became involved in equine breeding when they formed Waxwing Stud in 1972. Their Welsh Section A and B ponies are renowned for having excellent temperaments and trainability. Many have gone on to become winners, including Horse of the Year Show Supreme Pony Champion ‘Waxwing Thumbs Up’. Their continued passion and dedication to the world of breeding, showing and judging coupled with their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise makes them very worthy winners of this award.
Board Special Recognition
Ursula XII – Special recognition goes to an outstanding equine who recently retired from an exceptional career in showjumping. This Scottish sport horse mare was bred in 2001by Mary Turnbull and was originally produced by horsescotland performance programme rider, Mark Turnbull. Her career was furthered under the ownership of Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham. This exceptionally talented mare, along with top Scottish rider Scott Brash, went on to secure many wins at top level showjumping worldwide.
Award collected by Anne Logan and Mark Turnbull
RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution
Susie Elliot MBE – A volunteer for over 50 years, Susie has inspired countless others. Her selfless commitment and dedication has enabled many at both regional and national level to develop and succeed.
PHOTOS (left to right)
Photographer – Sinclair Photography
- Equestrian Business of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE, Lindores Equestrian, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Employee of the Year: Jamie Turnbull, Peter Scudamore MBE, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
- Youth Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sean Henderson, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Young People’s Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Jennifer Burnett, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Participation Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Martin Arnott, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
- Performance Coach of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Andrew Hamilton, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Youth Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Lucy Moss (British Showjumping Scotland) collecting on behalf of
Shaunie Greig, Claire Lockhead-Anderson collecting on behalf of Nicole Lockhead-Anderson, Allan J. Murray(RHASS) - Performer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Sandra Low-Mitchell collecting on behalf of Graham Babes, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Youth Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Alexandra MacMillan, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Volunteer of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Fiona Roebuck, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
- Club of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Team of the Year: South of Scotland Select, Allan J. Murray(RHASS)
- Equine Breeder of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Reay Campbell, Peter Scudamore MBE
- Owner of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Gordon Grainger, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Writer of the Year: Allan J. Murray(RHASS) , Emma Cheape, Peter Scudamore MBE
- Equestrian Photo of the Year: Peter Scudamore MBE , Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Lifetime Achievement: Peter Scudamore MBE , David Blair, Tom Best, Allan J. Murray (RHASS)
- Board Special Recognition: Peter Scudamore MBE, Anne Logan on behalf of Scott Brash and Owners – Lady Harris and
Lady Kirkham, Mark Turnbull on behalf of Turnbull familly, Allan J. Murray (RHASS) - RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution: Ed Bracher (RDA Chief Executive), Susie Elliot MBE
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