It was a night of standing ovations as showing awards were handed out a-plenty as leading luminaries were recognised by the showing community at the seventh Showing Council/Showing World Show Personality of the Year Awards, Supported by SPILLERS.
Allister Hood was the delighted winner of showing’s most prestigious honour the SPILLERS®/Showing World Outstanding Achievement Award and in his acceptance speech paid tribute to all his team who have supported him through what started out as a difficult year.
In a BAFTA style video link Nick Brooks-Ward echoed the thoughts of everyone in thanking Philip Judge for his commitment and tireless work particularly his ‘the show must go on’ work at the Royal Windsor Horse Show this year. “I have been got” said Phil “I just want to spread some fun and enjoyment in the showing world and love what I do, this means so much thank you Colin from Equinational and the team at Showing World Magazine and the Showing Council.”
The SPILLERS/ Showing Council Voluntary Organisers Award recognises the special contribution that volunteers make to the sport and everyone was thrilled when Frances Youngs was announced as the recipient. “I had no idea” said a pleased Frances.
Both the winner and the runner up in the PRP Rescue Show Rider of the Year received loud cheers with Robert Walker pipping Jordan Cook for the title.
The winners and runners up of the 2016 Showing Council/Showing World Show Personality of the Year Awards, Supported by SPILLERS are:
The Native Pony Bridles Junior Show Handler of the Year
Winner: Ben Spoor
Runner Up: Brandon Joyner
The Kellythorpe Junior Show Rider of the Year
Winner: Reise Shakespeare
Runner Up: Poppy Carter
The SPILLERS®/ Showing Council Voluntary Organisers Award
Frances Youngs
The Absorbine Pro/Am Groom Award
Professional: Jamie Punchard- Team Carter
Amateur: Hilary Curtis
The Horsezone.co.uk Breeder of the Year
Winner: Kellythorpe Stud
Runner Up: Barkway Stud
The Farnam Products Show Handler of the Year
Winner: Frazer Atherden
Runner Up: Alex Ahern
Equinational Photography Special Recognition Award
Philip Judge
Virbac 3D Worming Show Pony of the Year
Winner: Townend Schubert
Runner Up: Purple Ronnie
Equilibrium Products Show Horse of the Year
Winner: Starry Night
Runner Up: Domino Flashy Lad
PRP Rescue Show Rider of the Year
Winner: Robert Walker
Runner Up: Jordan Cook
SPILLERS®/Showing World Outstanding Achievement Award
Allister Hood