The British Horse Society’s (BHS) Equestrian Hall of Fame now has a permanent home.
The Hall of Fame was launched in 2005 to celebrate the heroes of the horse world, but has until now lacked a physical home. On 20 February, the Princess Royal unveiled a wall of plaques at the Household Cavalry’s barracks in Knightsbridge, London.
Famous names from the Hall of Fame such as George Bowman, Robert Oliver, Pippa Funnell, David Broome, Liz Edgar, Richard Meade and Jennie Loriston-Clarke gathered to watch the unveiling — along with show jumper Colton Maelstrom and eventer Shear H2O.
BHS president Desi Dillingham said: “We hope this is a fitting tribute that allows us to share with the public the success of our horses and riders all over the world.”
The BHS spent months obtaining necessary planning permissions to mount plaques to commemorate all the laureates — 20 riders and 16 horses so far, to which more names are added annually — on the wall in South Carriage Drive, Knightsbridge. The space was kindly offered by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Griffin.
The Princess Royal also took delivery of certificates for both herself, and her former European Champion Doublet, both members of the Hall of Fame.
She said: “Doublet wouldn’t be surprised to find himself included but he might be rather surprised about the jockey.”
At a reception before the unveiling, five new laureates were inducted into the Hall of Fame: event rider William Fox-Pitt, Olympic gold medallist Mary Gordon-Watson, and three horses — show jumpers Nizefela and Everest Forever and eventer The Poacher.
