Former world champion event rider Lucinda Green was presented with the Martin Collins Special Award for outstanding contribution to equestrianism at the Animal Health Trust’s (AHT) awards ceremony last week (6 November).
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the AHT equestrian awards the award was dedicated to the person who was judged to have made the greatest contribution to equine sport over the past 20 years.
Lucinda fought off competition from Paralympic gold medallist Lee Pearson and the Whitaker family, who were all shortlisted from nominations made by H&H readers.
Lucinda said: “This is something that I really can’t believe has happened, it is the most unexpected award to have come my way in many years.
“I never even considered that it would be me when in the company of such other worthy finalists in Lee Pearson and the Whitaker family.
“I am surprised but wholly delighted and I would like to thank all who voted for me”.
Lucinda was presented with the award by the Princess Royal and Martin Collins, founder of Martin Collins Enterprises, who manufacture synthetic riding surfaces.
“Lucinda Green is an icon for equestrian sport,” said Martin Collins. “She is still providing inspiration to hundreds of riders — young and old — through her very successful clinics and training videos.
“Throughout her career she has been a superb ambassador for eventing and continues to play a very important part in the development of the sport in the UK and around the world.”
Lucinda is the only rider to have won Badminton Horse Trials six times on six different horses and was World and European champion as well as an Olympic silver medallist.
She retired from international competition in 1987 and has since worked as a commentator and journalist as well as hosting training clinics. She is also a member of the board of directors and chairman of selectors for British Eventing.
Other winners included Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn, who received a standing ovation when he collected his British Show Jumping Association award, and Sheikh Mohammed Al Bin Rashid Maktoum for his support of racing worldwide.
A new veterinary award was presented to Essex vet Andrew Dobson, whose nominations “demonstrated expressive client commitment”.
