[avatar user=”AbbyDickinson” size=”large” align=”center” link=”file”]Everything Horse News Reporter, Abby Dickinson[/avatar]

Andrew Nicholson Awarded Queen’s Birthday Honour.

New  Zealand event rider, Andrew Nicholson, has been awarded a Queen’s Birthday Honour.

Nicholson, 56, was announced as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to equestrian sport. He will receive the award during an official ceremony, later this month.

The UK-based rider has represented New Zealand for more than 30 years, in both Olympic and 4* events. Achieving a silver and two bronze medals during his Olympic career, a world championship title and winning nine events within his time on the 4* circuit, Nicholson is one of the most successful sport’s persons of New Zealand.

Nicholson has won Burghley 4* Horse Trails five times; three of his winning were consecutive between 2012-2014 on horse, Avebury.

In 2011, we saw the rise of Nicholson with the ride, Nereo, placing second in Burghley Horse Trials. Nicholson and Nereo showed consistent improvement in their partnership and performance, eventually taking gold at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials in 2017.

All of Nicholson’s achievements are remarkable and inspiring for any rider. Nicholson’s 2017 Badminton win being the most influential, returning to the sport after a serious neck injury sustained after a fall from his horse, Cillnabradden Evo, in the CCI3* at the Festival of British Eventing in 2015. The severity of the injury resulted in the veteran eventer undergoing surgery to treat the injury.

Nicholson also shares his knowledge and skill, through training, with up and coming riders representing New Zealand and other nations.

Nicholson’s contribution to the sport within New Zealand and internationally has left a distinctive, inspiring mark on the equestrian community. Nicholson’s recent achievements prove that the sport does not have an age cap, and that hard work, determination and love for the sport is essential for success.