Doyenne of British dressage Jennie Loriston-Clarke MBE FBHS has been awarded the first ever Queen’s Award for Outstanding Services to Equestrianism. Her Majesty presented Jennie with the award at Windsor Castle last week.
Jennie has had a dressage competition career that includes representing Britain at five Olympic Games and winning bronze at the World Championships in 1978, the same year she became a Fellow of the British Horse Society (BHS). She is renowned as a trainer and judge as well as being a passionate supporter of British-bred horses, having trained home-bred horses to international level.
“I was both honoured and amazed to have been selected to receive this award. Horses have been my life and passion since I was a small child. For my work to be recognised is so rewarding, but it has only been possible with the wonderful team who have supported me over my lifetime,” said Jennie.
Jennie was selected from eight nominees made to the BHS by member bodies of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). The other nominees were: HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Lars Goran (Yogi) Breisner FBHS; Douglas Bunn; the late Major Thompson MVO, MBE, DCM; Betty Gaston; Clive Milkins and Diana Martin-Bird FBHS.
The eight names were reduced to a shortlist of three by a selection committee chaired by Patrick Print FBHS and comprising BEF Chairman Hugh Thomas, Christine Casey (BHS Northern Ireland), Lt Col Valentine Woyka (Household Cavalry), Michael Mac (British Show Jumping Association), Jane Holderness-Roddam (Riding for the Disabled), Mary Anderson (The Pony Club) and Sydney Smith (British Horse Driving Trials Association). The BHS Board of Trustees took the final decision.
Text and photo courtesy: British Dressage
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