Your Chance to Recognize Human and Equine Heroes in the 2024 Horse & Hound Awards
Community Participation and Nomination Process
The 2024 Horse & Hound Awards are back for their ninth year, set to celebrate the best in equestrian excellence. This year’s event will be hosted at the prestigious Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on November 27th. The night promises an elegant affair, featuring champagne, fine dining, and dancing, with around 300 guests in attendance, including Olympic and Paralympic stars.
At the heart of the awards is the active participation of the equestrian community. Nearly 93,000 votes were cast last year, and this year aims to surpass that level of engagement. Readers are encouraged to nominate their favorite horses or individuals who have significantly impacted the equestrian world in 2024. Whether they are professionals or amateurs, young riders or seasoned experts, everyone’s contributions are recognized and valued.
Nominations are currently open and will close on September 19. The judging panel will then select a shortlist based on the number of nominations received and the compelling nature of each nominee’s story, which will be announced on October 17. Voting will remain open until October 24, with winners being unveiled at the awards ceremony. It’s a democratic process where every vote counts!
Categories and New Additions
To truly honor various facets of equestrian excellence, the 2024 Horse & Hound Awards feature a diverse range of categories:
- 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
- Amateur 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
The introduction of the Dodson & Horrell Team of the Year category emphasizes the crucial role that team support plays in achieving success in equestrian sports. A strong team can make all the difference, and this new category ensures that collective effort gets the recognition it deserves.
Ceremony Details and Accessibility
The awards ceremony will take place at the Dallas Burston Polo Club, a venue known for its luxury and accessibility. The night will kick off with a champagne reception at 6 PM, followed by dinner at 7 PM, and the awards ceremony at 9 PM. The evening will wrap up with an after-party that will run until 1 AM. With a schedule like this, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night!
The venue is fully accessible. Ground-floor toilets and a main function room are available, alongside lifts for those who need them. Complimentary car parking will be provided for all attendees, and the nearest train station, Royal Leamington Spa, is approximately six miles away with regular bus links and taxi services available. So, whether you drive or take public transport, you’ll have no trouble getting to this glamorous event.
Importance and Community Engagement
The editor-in-chief of Horse & Hound, Sarah Jenkins, underscores the awards' importance, particularly in an Olympic and Paralympic year. The event honors not only the big names but also the unsung heroes who contribute to the sport at all levels. Jenkins encourages readers to nominate those who have made an impact on their enjoyment of horse sports, emphasizing the community’s role in celebrating these achievements.
The Horse & Hound Awards symbolize the interconnectedness of the equestrian community and the platform’s role in promoting the sport. By participating in the nomination and voting process, readers can contribute towards recognizing the dedication and achievements that make equestrian sports vibrant and inspiring.
Conclusion
The 2024 Horse & Hound Awards promise to be a memorable celebration of equestrian excellence, fueled by community passion and participation. With a range of categories honoring various facets of the sport, this event is a must-attend for anyone who loves horses and equestrian activities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, this is your chance to recognize the human and equine heroes who make the equestrian world so special.
For more details, please refer to the original articles on Horse & Hound.