Charlotte Dujardin to Receive Order of British Empire medal from Queen Elizabeth II

Dressage

British Dressage News

British dressage Olympic gold medal winners Charlotte Dujardin, Laura Bechtolsheimer and Carl Hester are to receive the Order of British Empire medal from Queen Elizabeth II.

"For services to Equestrianism" Olympic team and individual gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin will become an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), whereas team gold medallists Laura Bechtolsheimer and Carl Hester will become Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

These dressage athletes are joined by numerous British Olympic medal winning riders to be awarded honours in Great Britain’s New Year’s list.

The OBE is an order of chivalry given to people by the reigning royalty of the United Kingdom. The Order of the British Empire recognises distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds.

The OBE was originally created by George V in 1917 to honour civilians who supported the British war effort. Today the Order of the British Empire is the order of chivalry of British democracy. Valuable service is the only criterion for the award and the Order is now used to reward service in a wide range of useful activities.

"Over the moon to receive an honour for doing something that I love," Carl Hester commented when he received the OBE news. "Congratulations to Charlotte and Laura. Hopefully this gives our sport a boost."

Charlotte commented, "The Queen gives me my Christmas present - Charlotte Dujardin OBE."

Laura Bechtolsheimer stated that she is "very honoured to receive an MBE along with so many awesome sportsmen and congrats to Charlotte on her well deserved OBE. History made!!"

View the complete OBE/MBE list here.