British Equestrian Federation recognises outstanding service to sport

• Nine members of the equestrian industry awarded
• Outstanding contribution and service to the sport recognised with presentations to Yogi Breisner, Brendan Murray and Rosemary Barlow
• Awards presented at Olympia as Rio 2016 equestrian medallists join fans to celebrate a great year of sport

On an evening that welcomed equestrian Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic medallists to the Grand Hall at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, to celebrate with fans their fantastic achievements this year, the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) took the opportunity to recognise members of the equestrian community for their outstanding service.

Outgoing eventing performance manager Yogi Breisner, who steps down at the end of the year, was recognised tonight for his dedication to the Programme over his 17 year tenure, during which time he lead the British eventing team to over 30 championship medals. Eventing team farrier for 26 years Brendan Murray, who has given such outstanding service to the World Class Programme and GB equine athletes and Rosemary Barlow, who has supported the Federation tirelessly in our fundraising efforts were all formally recognised at Olympia for their outstanding contributions and dedication to British equestrianism.

The BEF Medal of Honour, which is presented in recognition of the outstanding service given to equestrian sport, was this evening presented to nine recipients. The presentation of awards was made by BEF Director of International Affairs, Dr Tim Watson.

About the Recipients:

Islay Auty is recognised for her dedication to British dressage and her outstanding commitment and service to equestrianism across the different youth programmes, for the last twenty years.

Fiona Bigwood and Spencer Wilton both received their medals for their outstanding performances in Rio as part of the silver medal-winning dressage team and for their contribution as ambassadors to equestrian sport.

Groom to 2016 Olympic champion Valegro and team silver medallist Nip Tuck, Alan Davies received his medal in recognition of his unfaltering dedication, pride and commitment to the equine industry throughout a number of disciplines as both rider and groom.

Former chief executive of the BEF, Andrew Finding and former BEF chairman Keith Taylor were presented in recognition of their commitment to the Federation, at both a national and international level, during their terms of office.

British Carriagedriving’s Derrick Mayes, Chairman of the International Teams Committee and a former Chef and Treasurer for British Carriagedriving, was presented for his commitment to the sport of Carriagedriving for the past thirty years.

Proprietor of The Unicorn Trust for twenty years, Sydney Smith, has shown great commitment and dedication to the Trust and with it to ensuring a world-class training facility for our equestrian athletes and the industry.

Richard Waygood was recognised for his management and leadership of the GB dressage team over the past seven years, during which time Britain has celebrated many golden moments.