2022 awards made at the National Convention

Alongside fascinating training and insight from Gareth Hughes and Michael Eilberg at the National Convention, the presentations were made for our annual awards and trophies recognising some outstanding achievements. 

Medal of Honour

This prestigious accolade recognises individuals who’ve made an outstanding contribution to the sport over a distinguished career and to reward long service to British Dressage.

Lynn Lawford

In her role as FEI Para Classifier for both dressage and driving, Lynn has been the backbone of British Equestrian’s classification system. Her tireless service, much of it in a volunteer capacity, has given many the opportunity to experience and thrive in para equestrian sport.  Lynne championed Great Britain at FEI level for two decades and was instrumental in the creation of the current National Classification system, leading to formal process that our athletes benefit from today.

In addition to her work in para classification and as a Chartered Physiotherapist, Lynn has been involved with RDA for over 30 years, including as a member of the RDA Dressage Committee and BEF course tutor, as well as a representative on the FEI Classification Working Group and Compensating Aids Panel.

Chris Porterfield

List 2A judge Chris Porterfield retires from her role as FEI General Steward after an outstanding career of service as an official in our sport for over almost thirty years, not only in judging but also stewarding at national and international level. Although retirement beckons, Chris continues to support British Dressage in the development of our national steward education, and we are very grateful for her ongoing expertise.

Chris’s dedication and support for British Dressage has been unwavering, and we applaud the enormous contribution she has made to officiating, both as judge and steward. 

Congratulations to both Lynn and Chris for their much-deserved BD Medal of Honour awards.

Worshipful Company of Saddlers

Kindly donated by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, a handcrafted leather headcollar was awarded to the winning para rider from each grade in the Equissage Pulse Summer Gold Championships held as part of the LeMieux National Championships at Somerford Park

Awarded to: 

• Grade 1 - Diane Green with Jo Alderton's The Scout and Mari Durward Akhurst with Quakin Guaranteed Good. Diane and Mari were joint winners on a score of 69.07%
• Grade 2 - Georgia Wilson who partnered Midnight II to score a magnificent 74.71% which topped the podium.
• Grade 4 - Nicola Naylor riding Del Piero V, the duo impressed with 68.70% to take the win. 
• Grade 5 - Sophie Wells with Don Cara M, the combination returned from the FEI World Championships in Herning to top the podium at Somerford with 72.82%.

Tyrell Trophy

Kindly donated by Lady Caroline Tyrrell, the trophy goes to the highest placed British-bred mare competing at the National Championships in 2022.

Awarded to: Stolen Secret is a six-year-old AES registered mare bred and owned by Michelle Dawson. The talented bay, by Uthopia out of a Riccio mare, was champion in the Elementary Gold class at Somerford, piloted to 76.53% by rider Sonnar Murray Brown.

The BDSC Pony Trophy

Kindly donated by the BDSC Committee, this trophy is awarded to the Pony rider who, in the Selectors’ opinion, has produced the best performances at Premier League shows during 2022.

Awarded to: Myles Graham with Dresscode Cocktail. 

The Maureen Newall Trophy

Presented in memory of Maureen Newall who was Chief Pony Selector from 1998 – 2003, this trophy is awarded to the pony and rider combination gaining the highest percentage in their first international trip abroad in the Pony Team test.

Awarded to: Sofia Games, who made her first overseas international debut at the Le Mans CDI in April. With her pony Next Black Magic she scored 69.08% in the Team Test, before going on to be selected for the European Championships this year in Poland.

The Lucan Trophy

Kindly donated by Mrs Kathryn Heappey, the Lucan Trophy goes to the highest placed British Pony rider in the Individual test at the European Championships.

Awarded to: Mette Dahl (pictured) placed 13th with the striking grey George Clooney BS, with a super score of 72.54%.

Pablo Picasso Trophy

Kindly donated by Penny and Fiona Bigwood, the trophy was commissioned to commemorate Fiona’s Junior/Young Rider horse, Pablo Picasso who made five European Championship appearances. On their behalf, it’s awarded to the highest placed British Young Rider in the team test at the European Championships.

Awarded to: Caitlin Burgess who rode to a career best fifth place with 72.76% on board Chocotof, an inspired performance on home turf  at Hartpury University in July.

BD Youth Academy Outstanding Achievement Award 

Kindly donated by the British Dressage Supporters Club, the BD Youth Academy Outstanding Achievement Award is awarded annually to the Academy Athlete who has shown the most outstanding performance or progress within the year. 

Awarded to: Academy athlete India Durman-Mills for her contribution to the bronze medal winning British Junior team.

The Graduate Trophy

Kindly donated by the Butling family, the Graduate Trophy is presented to the rider in their last year of U21s who, in the Selectors’ opinion, has made the most progress in 2022. We were delighted to be joined by Sam Rowlands to present the trophy on the behalf of Rita and Kate Butling. 

Awarded to: Young Rider Caitlin Burgess. 

The Sarah Whitmore Memorial Trophy

Introduced in 2021, this award is presented in memory of Sarah Whitmore and kindly donated by Michael Voigt. It’s awarded to the highest placed British U25 rider in the team test at the FEI European Championships.  The prize also includes a £750 bursary for dressage lessons.

Awarded to: Lucy Amy who rode her own Rudy to 12th place with 71.47% at the U25 European Championships, held in Hungary in August.

If you missed the National Convention, passes to view on demand will be available to purchase in the coming days.