The buzz surrounding the up-and-coming rider talent across the disciplines is phenomenal. Which of these under-25 stars look set for a golden future?
Alice Casburn, 21, is the Tommy Hilfiger Young Rider of the Year 2023.
Best horse: “Topspin and I didn’t click to begin with, but ever since we’ve built that partnership, he’s had the mindset that he’ll do anything for me. It’s been the blind leading the blind, but to go up the levels with a horse like him is phenomenal. He’s given me the confidence to help insecure young horses. Being a third-generation home-bred, he’s part of the family and he gets jealous if I show affection for anyone else.”
Proudest moment this year: “Seventh at Burghley. I felt extreme pressure after coming fifth last year and it’s almost worse when you know you’d only have a problem if it’s jockey error.”
Equestrian inspiration: “Piggy March – she’s another Norfolk girl and has worked incredibly hard. She also always asks if I need help and it’s incredible people at the top of the sport are so supportive of us youngsters.”
Goal for 2024: “To enjoy the sport. Spin is in his prime and I’d love to go back to Burghley.”
The other under-25s who made the shortlist for the Tommy Hilfiger Young Rider of the Year 2023 are:
Annabella Pidgley, 18
Best horse: “All my horses are talented in their own right, but I’ve been so proud of Espe this year for her outstanding performances, winning young rider tests at Aachen and at the Europeans in Hungary.”
Proudest moment this year: “Winning double gold at the young rider Europeans with Espe because it was a dream come true, but I was also really proud to ride on the senior Nations Cup team in Aachen on Vamos Amigos.”
Equestrian inspiration: “My biggest inspiration is my dad [the late Tony Pidgley], because his determination and hard work inspires me every day and all I do is to make him proud.”
Goal for 2024: “My main goal for 2024 is to keep progressing with all my horses and to really enjoy the journey with them as we work up the levels and towards different goals.”
Ella Dalton, 21
Best horse: “Quality Rubies N Diamonds, who won the speed Derby [at Hickstead]. But I’m also really excited about my new stallion, Careful – he’s lovely.”
Proudest moment this year: “Winning the speed Derby at my first attempt! It was unexpected, and it’s crazy to think of all the top riders who had won it before me. Qualifying Cajou Van Overis Z for the grade C championship at HOYS was special, too, though.”
Equestrian inspiration: “Michael Jung, because he’s so talented in so many spheres.”
Goal for 2024: “I’d like to find a horse to do the Hickstead Derby with, so I could aim for that. Then I’d like to do more, bigger classes and be more consistent there. Eventually when I have more experience, I’d like to bring younger horses up through the grades – that’s what I really love. So I’d just like to see how far I can go!”
Sienna Charles, 21
Best horse: “Stardust for the bigger tracks – she has a lot of fight in her and she loves to jump, but I won the most this year on Valkiry De Zance – he never stops winning! But also Chawton, whom we bred, has barely touched a fence all year and he’s ready to start stepping up. He’s so exciting and he could end up being my best horse next year.”
Proudest moment this year: “Winning my first five-star class in Dublin and getting silver with the Nations Cup team at my first five-star show in Falsterbo, having jumped clear. That was special.”
Equestrian inspiration: “Jana Wagers, who rides for Germany. I’ve been watching her more and more and she’s inspirational in her technique – she never seems to make mistakes.”
Goal for 2024: “We’re looking to add a few more horses to my string, then concentrate on producing Chawton to step up a level, but I hope to just keep gaining experience. I’m learning all the time.”
Previous Young Rider of the Year Award winners
Previous winners of this award include:
- 2022: Joe Stockdale, showjumper
- 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 2023
The Horse & Hound Awards returned for the eighth year in a row, running again in partnership with NAF.
As ever, the H&H Awards winners were nominated and voted for by you. We recognised both the big names who have made 2023 special and the unsung heroes who make it possible for all of us to enjoy equestrian sport and our horses, at whatever level.
This year, we hosted a glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire where some 300 people, including Olympic and Paralympic superstars, enjoyed a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, Oscar-style speeches and dancing.
