Many lovers of international dressage sport will have noticed that a select few of the British Grand Prix riders wear a special golden medal on their tail coats. This golden brooch looks similar to the "German Rider Badge" but is slightly bigger in size and has a different meaning.
So what's that bling? We asked the founder of this distinction, Richard Davison.
The Davison Award
The Davison Award is given in memory of the late Gordon Davison, father of Olympic dressage rider and former British Team Manager Richard Davison.
It is awarded to riders in recognition of an outstanding performance while competing specifically as part of the British Dressage Team at Olympic, World or European Championships. It is worn on the rider's tail coat, positioned below their union flag badge, and is intended to nurture team spirit and enhance pride in their British team achievement.
Award Holders
Recent holders include Britain’s current team riders such as Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Emile Faurie, Laura Bechtolsheimer, Gareth Hughes and, of course, Britain’s newly crowned world champion Charlotte Fry whose late mother Laura also earned the Davison Medal.
The award is made at the London International Horse Show by a member of the Davison family.
Photos © Astrid Appels
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