Posted: 23rd October 2019 | Back to news feed
Showing Successes Celebrated at the 2019 British Showing Awards brought to you by Showing World Magazine.
Winners Surprised with Top Accolades on the Night.
Months of planning, nominations and voting culminated in the black tie, glittering night of celebration at the 2019 SEIB British Showing Awards, brought to you by Showing World Magazine. The annual industry leading end of season party and fabulous award ceremony was held on 19th October, at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham. Top riders, producers, industry sponsors, breeders and showing supporters turned out in their hundreds at what is now a firm favourite in the showing calendar. The night included several standing ovations for the well deserving winners and all partied the night away to a DJ and live saxophonist performances as well as enjoying a sparkling drinks reception, three course meal and photobooth entertainment.
There are a number of awards throughout the night each celebrating success within a different element of the showing world where six finalists are selected and invited to join the fun. From the Junior of the Year which recognises the talent and efforts of the future of the showing industry through to the roots of showing with the Breeder of the Year which celebrates the breeding success of many as well as celebrating top names within the ring at the moment through the Handler of the Year and Rider of the Year.
The night also features top accolade awards which are awarded to an individual or group. The SEIB/ Showing World Outstanding Achievement Award is the highest recognition presented to people who have dedicated a lifetime to equestrianism and showing. This year Showing World Magazine are proud and honoured that the award was accepted by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II who has undoubtably had a long relationship with the equine world. Spanning across many disciplines and focussing her passion for showing with many breeds, riders and producers.
This award is not just given with the expectation that the recipient will accept it. In this case this year, Showing World had to follow strict protocol to request that Her Majesty, The Queen consented to being the worthy recipient. It was an honour that Her Majesty graciously accepted the award and that the award was collected on her behalf by Terry Pendry, Stud Groom and Manager of the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle along with Katie Jerram-Hunnable and Lizzie Briant. The news of the 2019 worthy recipient was met with a room wide standing ovation and large cheers.
On receiving the award, Terry Pendry said; “We are delighted to receive this award on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. Horses have been an important part of her life; it is a passion in fact, and she is a very strong supporter of the showing world in all disciplines including the ROR. I spoke to Her Majesty about the award and she asked me to say that she offered her sincere thanks for this award.”
The Equinational Special Recognition Award was this year presented to a surprised Lynn Russell. Lynn has captured the support of the showing community and has gone above and beyond the imagination when it comes to charity and giving something back. Following her own diagnosis and treatment in 2018, Lynn decided to start her fundraising mission, her initial target was £5000. Following huge support, the target doubled and at time of writing this report, we are pleased to share that this target has been met and indeed overachieved. The current figure on Lynn’s page stands at £10,393. From raffles, through to tack sales no fundraising stone has been left unturned and all money donated will go to Breast Cancer Now, a charity that funds breast cancer research and care to provide support for today and hope for the future.
Post win Lynn commented; “I was delighted to win this award, it was a real surprise. I would like to thank all those who gave to Breast Cancer Care and hopefully all those who give in the future. I will continue to raise awareness and help to those who have been in the same situation as me. Thank you to Showing World Magazine and the award sponsors”.
Needing no introduction on the showing circuit, it was much loved Rory Gilsenan who took the title of Freestep Show Rider of the Year and it was a popular win. Irish man, Rory is a recognised face within the workers ring, gaining his first HOYS win back in 2018 with Atlantic Slim in the Cuddy Working Hunter of the Year, to go in his trophy cabinet of wins from every major show in the country, including standing workers champion at the 2019 Royal International Horse Show with Atlantic Slim. Rory is well respected both in and out of the ring for his bubbly personality and can be seen not only riding, but training, producing and also judging.
Rory received a standing ovation upon the news that he had taken the title of Show Rider of the Year and the joy within the room was clear. On winning Rory said: “What a fabulous evening! We had a great night, the people were incredible, it was such a great party. Just to be recognised as a finalist is fantastic, but to win, wow! We all work hard all season long, seven days a week and do every show that we can including early starts. To be able to go to an evening like the awards after this hard work is a great celebration. It is our first chance to party after a long year and we really did have a great night.”
Nominations for the 2020 SEIB British Showing Awards will open on the 3rd February 2020 and people are invited to put forward names of showing participants that they think are deserving of recognition at these industry leading awards.
A full list of 2019 Award Winners is as follows:
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CATEGORY
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WINNER |
RUNNER UP |
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PERFECT PONIES JUNIOR OF THE YEAR
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FREYA HERRING |
LIBBY GROTA |
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ABSORBINE GROOMS AWARD
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PRO- MARK CHESTERS |
NON PRO- LAURA MARSHALL |
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THE SHOWING REGISTER PATHWAY RIDER OF THE YEAR |
LOIS GETTY, GEORGIA JOHNSON, CJ THOMPSON-KITCHEN, MEL RICHARDS AND JANE LANCASTER |
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SENIOR SHOWING AND DRESSAGE LTD 15 YEARS AND OVER SHOW HORSE OR PONY OF THE YEAR
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MOORTOWN HONEYMAN |
CLANTARA SHADOW PLAY |
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TMS DRIRUG SHOW HANDLER OF THE YEAR
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BILLY MORAN |
EMMA HOLDER |
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KN LIFESTYLE BREEDER OF THE YEAR
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KELLYTHORPE STUD |
THISTLEDOWN STUD |
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CHAPS COLOURED SHOW HORSE OR PONY OF THE YEAR
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BART |
DEL BOY V |
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GRIFFIN NUUMED SHOW HORSE OF THE YEAR
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TIME 2 REFLECT |
MEXICAN SUMMER |
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FREESTEP SHOW RIDER OF THE YEAR
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RORY GILSENAN |
KIRSTY AIRD |
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SHOWING SCENE SHOW PONY OF THE YEAR
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BANKS TIMBER |
HOLLOWMARSH OLIVER |
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