We are looking for a rider who stands out for what they have achieved in the past decade, holding their own among professionals and respected for their good horsemanship.
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.
Evie Toombes
18 years old, disability campaigner and para showjumper on the wonderful Daisy
Despite being born with spina bifida and undergoing gruelling treatments, this inspirational teenager’s escape is riding. A video of her jumping a 1.50m fence in a 90cm para class went viral, and the WellChild Award winner and blogger also visits schools to educate pupils on invisible illnesses.
Philippa Wratten
33 years old, police officer jumping up to 1.40m with her mare Ginelli Z
This talented showjumper produces her own horses alongside working demanding shifts. She often competes against the pros while representing Forces Equine. Philippa suffered a facial injury two years ago and is still undergoing surgery, but always takes time to help others.
Sharon Polding
48 years old, corporate high-flyer aiming for Badminton 2021, her third five-star
Sharon juggles a demanding full-time job as global account manager at Vodafone with eventing and being a mother. She has competed to three-star on previous horses and completed two five-stars with her current horse, Findonfirecracker.
Katie Preston
33 years old, vet who has completed Burghley with a cross-country clear
A full-time vet, Katie has produced Templar Justice from a two-year-old to complete Burghley, Luhmühlen and Pau five-stars and is aiming to replicate that at Badminton 2021. She’s produced her “next superstar” Templar Juno from a yearling to a double clear in her first two-star this year.
Previous winners of the annual version of this award include:
- 2019: amateur event rider Adam Harvey
- 2018: amateur event rider Katie Preston
- 2017: amateur event rider Alice Goring
- 2016: amateur dressage rider Claire Abel
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.
