Horse & Hound Awards 2024: A Night to Celebrate Equestrian Excellence
The equestrian community is preparing for an exhilarating evening as the Horse & Hound Awards return for their ninth consecutive year. The prestigious event will be hosted on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, at the Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire. This celebration of both renowned equestrian stars and unsung heroes is proudly supported by NAF and Agria.
The Glittering Ceremony: What to Expect
Approximately 300 distinguished guests, including Olympic and Paralympic athletes, will gather for a night of celebration that encompasses champagne, winner announcements, heartfelt speeches, and dancing. This highly-anticipated event is a prominent highlight of the equestrian calendar, offering a platform to recognize the dedication and success of individuals and horses who have made significant contributions to the sport.
The Amateur Rider of the Year Award
One of the most eagerly awaited categories is the "Amateur Rider of the Year" award. This accolade acknowledges riders who excel in equestrian sports despite not making their primary living from riding, training, or competing. These riders balance their passion for horses with other professional commitments, embodying the true spirit of amateur equestrianism.
Nominations and Voting Process
Nominations for the Amateur Rider of the Year award are open until 19 September 2024. Anyone can nominate a deserving rider through the designated link on the Horse & Hound website. The judging panel will create a shortlist based on the number of nominations and the strength of each nominee's story. This shortlist will be announced in the 17 October issue of Horse & Hound. Afterward, the public can vote until 24 October to choose their winners.
Inspiring Stories: Past Winners of the Amateur Rider of the Year
The history of the Amateur Rider of the Year award is rich with talent and dedication. Here are a few notable winners:
- 2023: Amy Dixon, celebrated for her success in BE90 Badminton Grassroots and the Blair Scottish Championships.
- 2022: Libby Seed, a full-time professional in the medical devices industry and a five-star event rider.
- 2021: Lauren Innes, an accountant and amateur four-star event rider.
- 2020: Evie Toombes, an inspirational para showjumper and disability campaigner, recognized for her contributions throughout the decade (2011-2020).
- 2019: Adam Harvey, an amateur event rider.
- 2018: Katie Preston, an event rider.
- 2017: Alice Goring, an event rider.
- 2016: Claire Abel, an amateur dressage rider.
These individuals exemplify that passion and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of one's professional background.
Broader Categories and Celebrations
The Horse & Hound Awards cover a wide range of categories, ensuring that various aspects of equestrian sports are recognized. These include:
- Dressage Horse of the Year
- Black Nova Designs Event Horse of the Year
- Showjumping Horse of the Year
- Show Horse of the Year
- Professional Rider of the Year
- Young Rider of the Year
- NAF Five Star PROFEET Farrier of the Year
- Absorbine Groom of the Year
- Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year
- Rhinegold Inspiration of the Year
- Agria Horse of a Lifetime
- Dodson & Horrell Team of the Year
These categories highlight the diversity and depth of talent within the equestrian community, from horses and riders to grooms, farriers, and veterinarians.
The Role of Sponsorships
The success of the Horse & Hound Awards is significantly bolstered by the support of sponsors like NAF and Agria. These partnerships not only enable the event to take place but also contribute to the broader promotion and development of equestrian sports. Sponsorships play a crucial role in recognizing and rewarding excellence, ensuring that the achievements of equestrian enthusiasts are celebrated on a national stage.
Conclusion: Join the Celebration
The Horse & Hound Awards 2024 are a testament to the enduring passion and dedication of the equestrian community. By honoring celebrated names and unsung heroes alike, these awards serve as a beacon of inspiration for all involved in the sport. Whether you are an amateur rider, a professional competitor, or simply an enthusiast, the Horse & Hound Awards offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the very best of equestrianism.
Nominate Your Heroes Today: Nominations are open until 19 September 2024. Visit Horse & Hound Awards to submit your nominations and be part of this special celebration of equestrian excellence.
Source: [Horse & Hound Article](https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/awards/amateur-rider-of-the-year-2024-830870)