Dressage star Carl Hester was presented with the British Horse Society’s (BHS) Queen’s award for equestrianism by The Queen at Windsor Horse Show at the weekend (16 May).
“Working with horses is my life. It is an amazing privilege to receive this recognition for doing something I love, and to receive this award from The Queen is incredibly special,” he said.
H&H columnist Carl Hester has represented Britain in four Olympic Games and led the gold medal-winning team in London 2012.
Since 2009 he has won six individual and team medals at European Championships and World Equestrian Games.
In mentoring and coaching Charlotte Dujardin on his own horse Valegro, he has played a huge role in their incredible success.
The combination are the first to be crowed double Olympic, World and European champion and currently hold the world record in all three tests.
“Not only has Carl made his country so proud with his own achievements, but he has so generously put such passion into developing the success of others — all the time keeping the welfare of the horse at heart,” said Claire Aldridge, BHS chairman.
The award is made on the recommendation of the trustees of the BHS “for outstanding services to equestrianism’.
“Carl’s role within the sport goes far beyond being an ambassador and mentor,” said British Dressage’s chief executive Jason Brautigam.
“He has fostered a team spirit within the dressage community that hasn’t previously existed. Carl’s contribution has been immense — his commitment is selfless, as is his generosity of spirit. He is not just concerned with his personal results but about the long term development of the sport.”
Previous recipients of the award include Jennie Loriston-Clarke (2006), The Duke of Edinburgh (2007), Yogi Breisner (2008) and former BHS chairman Pat Campbell (2014).
