The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is launching a new award for British grooms called the “Kuster BEF Groom Award”. The award has been generously sponsored by Frank Kuster from Grange Hotels and has been designed to reward
and recognise the work done by grooms, the backbone of the horse world.
The winning groom and their guest will receive a luxurious holiday to the beautiful Italian resort of Naples including business class flights and also two nights in the London Grange City Hotel. Frank Kuster will also be generously providing the winning groom with a stunning Bronze designed, by Tim Nathan.
The winner will then be presented their award at the prestigious British Horse Foundation Awards Dinner run by the Supporters of British Breeding which will be held at The Grange City Hotel on 8th January 2005 . Grange Hotels have extended their generous prize to allow the winner and guest to stay in the hotel for the night of the award.
Andrew Finding, BEF Chief Executive said “The BEF is delighted to announce this new award which forms part of the work Lucy Katan and the BEF Working Group for Grooms has been undertaking. This important award, recognising grooms as key team members in all equestrian sporting partnerships, could not be made without the very generous sponsorship support provided by Frank Kuster and Grange Hotels. Thank you Frank – we are indebted to you and to Grange Hotels.”
Frank Kuster from Grange Hotels commented “I chose to sponsor this award as Grooms play such an important part in every discipline in the equestrian world and I think we need to be more aware of this.”
Zanie Tanswell commented “I am honoured to have been asked to be a judge for this new award. Employers and owners owe it to their grooms to enter them for this fantastic new award. Every groom stands a chance to win and the winner will be an individual who is immensely dedicated to his or her horses and their career. I am so pleased that this dedication is now being recognised”.
Tim Nathan is a great supporter of British equestrian disciplines and has been for many years. His bronzes, paintings and etchings have been in exhibitions all over the world and the auction of his work has helped raise money for several organisations including: the British Equestrian Olympic Team in 2000, the British Olympic Equestrian Fund in 2004, the United States Equestrian Team in 2004, Spinal Research in 2004 and others raising in excess of 35,000 GBP.
His artwork has developed through working with horses and their riders over many years, observing and recording his unique view of this world. Disciplines such as dressage, eventing and polo have been the inspiration for many of his works such as his etchings, drawings and bronzes. His background as an Art teacher has led him to support and encourage the development of the works of other artists in various media over the past few years.
The two sculptures on auction here for the Supporters of British Breeding are developed from work with the earlier “Smash Hit”. Smash Hit is Tim Nathan’s work which was donated by Frank Kuster as the Groom of the Year Award 2004. These two bronze foals encapsulate the spirit of the young horse and are the first castings of the edition which has been specially made for this event.
To make an advanced bid for the auction please contact bid@equestrian.org.uk