Gill Longhurst received the President ’ s Award
scheme . His work enables many young people to exceed expectations , and even throughout Covid-19 has provided support by developing an online resource pack which she delivered on Zoom .
Karl Jenkins , now an apprentice at the RAC Saddle Club , won The Pamela Almond Changing Lives Through Horses Achievement Award . Having completed the CLTH programme , Karl can now commit to the equestrian world with confidence , having overcome serious mental health issues .
PC Heidi Moxam of Dorset Police received a Safety Award , having led a Close Pass-Horse Safe initiative which delivered the BHS ’ s ‘ Dead Slow ’ message to thousands of local drivers through public events , literature , high-viz clothing and social media activity .
Welfare Awards went to Bransby Horses Rescue & Welfare , who had to cope with floods , as well as Covid-19 . Recipient Alistair Love of Clevedale Vets has provided endless support , both in person and latterly online , by getting involved with many BHS awareness campaigns , including colic .
Veteran horsewoman Jane Dotchin received an Exceptional Achievement Award . In her 80th year , Jane recently became an internet and media sensation on a 600- mile round trip to Augustus in the North of Scotland , with her pony Diamond and her disabled dog Dinky who travels in the saddlebag !
The Helen Barton-Smith Silver Stirrup Award is given for excellent work in support of young riders , and this year the recipient was Julie-Anne Griffith . Julie-Anne dropped out of university , aged 18 , to train for BHSAI at Edinburgh Vet Field Station in 1983 and has been inspiring young riders ever since .
The Society ’ s progress with its 2026 access campaign is down to many hundreds of volunteers . Special mention goes to Brian Smith . He has a string of success stories regarding the Definitive Map across Staffordshire and Derbyshire to his name , together with over 30 years ’ dedication to the cause of bridleways . The inspirational Patricia Butcher is another access volunteer who has made a huge difference in West Sussex over 24 years . Brian and Patricia both received Awards of Merit .
Carol Jones , the proprietor of Hole Farm Pony Trekking Centre , was recognised with an Approvals Award for providing a means of fitness , friendship , escape and social interaction for people from inner-city Birmingham .
An Unsung Hero Award went to Valli Hayes of North Manor Equestrian Centre . She was nominated by a total of 11 grateful people for her commitment to helping disadvantaged children achieve outstanding results .
BHS Chief Executive James Hick added : “ 2020 was like no other year , but we got through it thanks to all our volunteers , affiliated groups and supporters who worked tirelessly with the BHS teams across safety , access , welfare , education and participation ,
Above : PC Heidi Moxam of Dorset Police received a Safety Award
despite all the challenges . The BHS Awards are our way of acknowledging and celebrating those who made an extra special contribution in aid of our charitable work over the past 12 months – so congratulations to them . Still , I also want to pay tribute to the many hundreds of others who make the Society what it is .” •
Left : Veteran horsewoman Jane Dotchin received an Exceptional Achievement Award
Karl Jenkins received The Pamela Almond Changing Lives Through
Horses Achievement Award
EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : JULY 2021 • 11