Tayside riding mentor Shelagh Steven has become the latest recipient of the British Horse Society for Scotland’s Farney Grange Trophy as the most popular instructor for 2014.
Each year horse riders from across the country are given the opportunity to nominate their favourite BHS-listed instructor for the award, which was first presented in 2005.
It cannot be won more than once.
“This is a always a great opportunity for those instructors who are out teaching their pupils in all weathers in all types of schools,” said a spokesperson for BHS Scotland.
“It’s not just for the upper echelons, but for the grass-roots instructors where most of the BHS and Riding Club members and their horses get their education.”
BHS Scotland event officer Loraine Young said: “This trophy recognises instructors who are kind, enthusiastic and inspiring, and also those who pass on wisdom and produce results.
“Anyone winning the Farney Grange Trophy will indeed be honoured, and BHS Scotland is pleased to be able to administer such a positive prize that recognises excellence.”
Shelagh took receipt of the prize at the 2014 BHS Scotland AGM.
During the evening, the Tarragon Trophy for the BHS Scotland Equine Personality of the Year was also presented.
This year’s recipient was the Legacy, a police horse which completed five years’ service, before becoming a confidence giver and all-round “amazing horse” that has helped other owners to get over the grief of losing their own animals.
Alan Hiscox from BHS presented the trophy to Kirsty Logue, Sarah Bell and Ali Lang.
The Tarragon was named in honour of the 2005, and first, winner Fiona Busby’s Prix St George Connemara Pony, which was orphaned by grass sickness but progressed to provide years of pleasure to the Busby family.
The award is open to any horse in Scotland.