This award is to celebrate the achievements of up-and-coming riders. We are looking for a young rider (under 25 on 10 December) who has achieved a great deal in the past year and is set to achieve even greater things in the future
The shortlist has been chosen and voting for this award is open for one week only, until 11.59pm on 5 November, in accordance with these terms and conditions.
Tabitha Kyle, showjumper
Age: 13
Best horse: “I don’t really have a best one, they’re all really good! Possibly Gordon and Su Hall’s Atomic Du Bary; he’s really springy, with so much scope.”
Proudest moment this year: I’ve spent lots of time this year linking up with the ponies and getting them going again. I really enjoyed Hickstead, winning the 138cm title for the second year running, and also Le Mans [winning four grands prix in one day]. And then it was a dream come true to win pony showjumper of the year, the 138cm championship for the second year running and then the pony Foxhunter at the British Showjumping Indoor Championship Finals at Aintree.”
Equestrian inspiration: “I really look up to John Whitaker. He’s done so well, from such a young age, and he’s still doing it now. I really admire that, and hope I can do the same.”
Alice Homer, showing rider
Age: 18
Best horse: “The lightweight hunter Bloomfield Eloquence [pictured], who was champion hunter at our first show, the British Show Horse Association national championships, and won the ladies’ side-saddle class. He’s only six, and I think will be especially good in side-saddle.”
Proudest moment this year: “Either my four-year-old Ballinclare being supreme novice at the British Show Pony Society national championships or being hunter champion on Bloomfield Eloquence. That was my first horse hunter championship, and it was really nice to be in a championship with all my idols.”
Equestrian inspiration: “My grandfather, David Tatlow. He’s won about 48 titles at Horse of the Year Show, and was a point-to-point jockey. He still, in his 80s, does so much on the yard; he’s amazing. Also Jayne Ross, because she’s so incredible at what she does. She has the ability to get on anything and make it look 10 times better, and she’s given me the most fantastic opportunities.”
Izac Ketteridge, showjumper
Age: 18
Best horse: “There are lots at Brendon Stud where I work – I’d say probably one of Shirley Light’s four-year-olds, Klent Spot On [pictured]. He’s showing really good attributes for showjumping; he’s very special.”
Proudest moment this year: “Stepping up to the bigger tracks. I went straight into the 1.35m class at Bolesworth and then Shirley made me jump the puissance! It went from 1.35m to 1.65m. It felt amazing, and the atmosphere was incredible.”
Equestrian inspiration: “I think it has to be Marcus Ehning. He just makes everything look so easy. It looks like he just hovers above the saddle, and steers just by looking around.”
Yasmin Ingham, event rider
Age: 23
Best horse: “That’s a really hard question! My most exciting up-and-coming horse is probably Banzai Du Loir [pictured]. He won the eight- and nine-year-old championships at Burnham Market; he’s so special and I’m really excited about next year with him, and years to come.”
Proudest moment this year: “I had three horses at Burnham Market; Banzai Du Loir and two in the CCI4*-L. They all finished on their dressage scores, all in the 20s. It made me feel proud as I’d worked so hard during lockdown, and it’s definitely paid off.”
Equestrian inspiration: “Pippa Funnell. She’s been through some really tough times and I love the way she dusts herself off and gets on with it, and comes out better the other side. I really look up to her, her attitude and her way of training horses.”
Previous winners of this award include:
- 2019: Finn Healy, eventing
- 2018: Lottie Fry, dressage rider
- 2017: Will Furlong, eventer
About the Horse & Hound Awards 2020
The H&H Awards, in partnership with NAF, are back – this year’s ceremony will be virtual, an exciting multi-media online bonanza. This innovation means equestrian fans around the world can be part of the celebration. We look forward to sharing the evening with you all.
This year’s awards will celebrate the heroes of the past decade (2011–2020) in elite equestrian sport, while honouring the unsung stars who have helped our industry, our horses and our spirits during this unusual year.
As previously, the H&H Award winners will be nominated and voted for by you. Anyone is welcome to nominate the person, group or horse they feel deserves recognition from Thursday 3 September.
Following the close of nominations at 5pm on 4 October, the H&H judging panel will decide on a shortlist of contenders. The panel will be influenced by the number of nominations and strength of the story of the nominee’s dedication and achievement.
On 29 October, we will announce the shortlisted candidates in the magazine and online, sharing their stories and inviting you to vote for your winners online, with voting closing on 5 November.
The winners will be revealed in our sparkling online virtual ceremony on 10 December, with guests joining us from around the world.
