Trust award winners include Lady Harris
Sportsmen and women were also honoured at the annual ceremony
THE British eventing team, young riders and a high-profile owner were among the winners at this year’s Animal Health Trust (AHT) UK Equestrian Awards.
The event at London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square on 31 October was hosted by AHT president The Princess Royal.
This year’s special award was won by Lady Harris, one of Scott Brash’s owners, for her “tireless commitment to the health and welfare of animals”. She chaired the committee for the AHT awards for three years from 2014, raising more than £130,000 for the charity at last year’s event.
“I’m delighted to have been given the AHT special award,” Lady Harris said. “I have enjoyed supporting them for a few years now and have been proud to spread the word about their vital work for dogs, cats and horses.
“As an owner and competitor, I know only too well the benefits of their work. I urge others to help the AHT however they can; their research could save your horse.”
Nicola Wilson, Oliver Townend, Tina Cook and
Rosalind Canter took the eventing award for their European Championships gold, while Oliver Fletcher, 14, took the British Showjumping (BS) award. The leading junior won team gold and individual bronze at the children’s
European Championships.
Charlotte Fry, 21, received the under-25 star of the future award. The dressage rider was first and second at the World Breeding Championships in August.
STRANGLES
THE health and welfare title went to Redwings Horse Sanctuary for its strangles campaign, while vet Anthony Stirk won the Dr Reginald Wooldridge veterinary achievement award. Mr Stirk has made a “fundamental” input to racing authorities’ work to reduce fatal and long-term injuries.
Trainer John Gosden was crowned winner of the international racing award, having trained more than 3,000 winners in England, Europe and America.
Finally, record-breaking para team trainer Michel Assouline took the dressage award. During his time coaching the team from 2005 to 2017, Britain was unbeaten on the international stage, winning 121 medals in total.
“The trust’s work over the past 75 years has been aimed at improving the health and welfare of all equines,” said an AHT spokesman. “The event was the perfect forum to celebrate the trust’s vital research.”