Celebrating up-and-coming talent in the horse world. Nominees must be under 25 years old on the day of the H&H Awards (30 November).
The 2022 winner
Joe Stockdale Age: 23
Best horse: “Equine America Cacharel. We always knew she was going to be something special. Not only does she have a load of scope and she’s careful, but also the way she learns things and figures things out shows she has a fantastic brain.”
Proudest moment this year: “Being part of the team that won the bronze medal at the showjumping World Championships. There have been so many great stepping stones this year and that was a huge learning curve. I’ve taken so much away from the experience.”
Equestrian inspiration: “I always looked up to my dad, Tim Stockdale. He had such a great work ethic and was so focused on what he wanted to achieve. I also owe the Funnells so much. William has been my main go-to for guidance and has helped me through the whole process of getting to this point.”
Also shortlisted were:
Alice Casburn Age: 20
Best horse: “Topspin is home-bred, we’ve gone up the levels together and he’s so honest and willing. Our partnership is the reason for our success; he tries really hard for me.”
Proudest moment this year: “Team gold and individual bronze at the young rider Europeans – I just wanted to provide a good team-counting score, so an individual medal was a shock – or Burghley. It’s my home event and we’ve joked that one day I’d go round on Topspin, even when he was quite naughty. To go from that to wanting a completion to coming fifth was special.”
Equestrian inspiration: “Piggy March – we’re both Norfolk girls, from supportive families, and I admire the fact she’s been through rough patches and come out better on the other side.”
Isabelle Cook Age: 17
Best horse: “Mexican Law is a home-bred by Billy Mexico. My mum rode her to advanced and I started riding her last winter. She’s half-owned by Jim Chromiak, who has been a long-standing owner with Mum. She’s a really good jumper and fun to ride.”
Proudest moment this year: “Taking individual silver and team gold at the junior Europeans, which was unexpected. It was my first championship and being on home soil at Hartpury made it special.”
Equestrian inspiration: “My family. My mum, Tina Cook. If I’m having a problem, I have somebody on hand who is experienced to help me. My grandmother Althea Gifford is also knowledgeable and very strict on how I ride!”
Cate Kerr Age: 13
Best ponies: “I’ve been so lucky to have been given so many amazing rides, but the love of my life is my 128cm showjumper Dunbarover IV [Yogi]. He has won Horse of the Year Show [HOYS] twice, in 2020 and in 2021, and he’s also won at London International. He’s so speedy. In the show ring, it would have to be the lead-rein hunter pony Cadlanvalley Super Ted, who I had my first HOYS win with. He went on to win again with my sister, Ness.”
Proudest moment: “HOYS 2021 when I won in two different disciplines on the same day. Literally within the hour I had won the 128cm show pony class with Lisha Leeman’s home-bred Kellythorpe Tiny Dancer, eventual reserve show pony champion, and had changed gear to go on and win the 128cm showjumping final with Yogi. I have a new ride for next year, the 148cm pony Cindy VI, so I’m hoping to qualify her for the pony showjumper of the year. My main goal in life is to ride at the Olympics.”
Equestrian inspiration: “I admire those riders who have made it on their own, including Scott Brash and Holly Smith. And I love the style of Ben Maher’s riding.”
Previous winners of this award include:
- 2021: Ruby Hughes, dressage rider and vaulter
- 2020: Tabitha Kyle, showjumper
- 2019: Finn Healy, eventing
- 2018: Lottie Fry, dressage rider
- 2017: Will Furlong, eventer
About the Horse & Hound Awards 2022
The Horse & Hound Awards returned for the seventh year in a row, running again in partnership with NAF. Some 300 people, including Olympic and Paralympic superstars, gathered to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals and dancing at Cheltenham Racecourse. As in previous years, the H&H Award winners were nominated and voted for by you, the readers. We seek to recognise both the big names who have made 2022 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at whatever level.
