Sir Colin Spedding Award 2024
Winner - Di Arbuthnot
In recognition of her in recognition of her dedication to racehorse welfare. Di has advanced the cause of second careers for racehorses around the world, through her leadership of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) for over 20 years, as well as setting up and chairing the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) for 8 years. Due to Di’s foresight, dedication and ability to persuade, thousands of racehorses have secured comfortable and fulfilling lives post training, and tens of thousands now face assured futures.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2024
Joint Winner - Amanda Stoddart-West
In recognition of her dedication to equine welfare through putting initiatives in place at the Great Yorkshire Show, including a rider weight limit, changing warmup rules, raising participation age levels for foals, ensuring adherence to rules on sensory functions and the introduction of welfare stewards. These advances have often been challenged, yet Amanda has stood firm in her application of such principles and, because of her efforts, these are now being widely adopted across other shows.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2024
Joint Winner - Kirsty Withnall
In recognition of her tenacity and perseverance in bringing to justice those responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Most notably, she has been the linchpin in many large-scale operations, where coordination and cooperation with numerous agencies have been vital in securing safe and efficient rescue for equines and other animals. Her diligent collection and collation of evidential material has led to successful prosecutions and the reduction of future cruelty. Kirsty’s passionate care for all the animals she has been involved with shines through. She has made an unparalleled contribution to animal welfare in the United Kingdom.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2024
Highly Commended Finalist - Anne Dicker
In recognition of her active support of initiatives which bring the equine sector together, both as an individual and through Catherston Stud. She has contributed to advancing equine groom apprenticeships, training fire responders, developing digital Equine ID policy, and research to further the principles of The Happy Equine Athlete. She has also supported the Futurity for many years. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Anne, she and her enthusiastic team are always willing to help.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2023
Winner - Charlotte Thornycroft
In recognition of her dedication and support for the British Equestrians for Ukraine fund during 2022. Initially setting up and becoming the linchpin of the Polish supply hub, Charlie worked selflessly in challenging and extraordinarily stressful situations to ensure that aid got to where it was needed most, while managing the care and evacuation of horses from war-torn areas. She continued coordinating the delivery of relief supplies on her return to the UK and without doubt she helped maximise the impact of the fund and saved the lives of very many horses.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2022
Winner - Imran Atcha
In recognition of his dedication and tireless energy in breaking down barriers to provide access to horses and other animals, through his youth work and St James City Farm & Riding School, for the community of Gloucester and further afield.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2022
Highly Commended Finalist - Lynda Warth
In recognition of the sheer scope of the access work she undertakes on behalf of equestrians in Cambridgeshire and around the country. She has worked to include different recreational activities within the access network, so that wherever possible families can exercise together safely, even where one wishes to walk their dog, one wishes to cycle and another wishes to ride their horse or carriage drive.
Special Covid-19 Sir Colin Spedding Award 2021
Winner - Claire Williams
In recognition of her tireless work, at all hours, to advise, support and maintain morale across the equestrian sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her efforts included analysis of government guidelines and the development of protocols to allow feed merchants and tack shops selling feed and horse care products to trade legally, and continue with essential safety services such as hat fitting. Without Claire's support many would have suffered financial hardship and potential loss of livelihood; it was her tenacity and quick-thinking that helped to keep many retailers open, and the nation's horses fed and cared for.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2020
Joint Winner - Eleanor Jones
In recognition of her conscientious, tireless and skillful journalistic coverage in Horse & Hound of many important welfare-led issues, giving them a strong voice across the equine sector. By spreading the word in this way she has undoubtedly helped significantly to change perceptions and to improve equine welfare.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2020
Joint Winner - Nigel Oakley
In recognition of his dedication and tireless energy in safeguarding and promoting the Suffolk Punch horse, including owning, breeding, training, working and showing this breed, as well as being a Heavy Horse Ambassador for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2019
Winner - Gordon Wesley
represented by his daughter, Boo Powe
In recognition of his long-standing dedication in many aspects of the Equine Sector both at home and abroad
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2019
Winner - Gordon Wesley
In recognition of his long-standing dedication in many aspects of the Equine Sector both at home and abroad
Gordon being presented with the Sir Colin Spedding Award Certificate by Forum Administrator, Dr Georgina Crossman
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2018
Winner - Dr Simon Curtis
In recognition of his work in the development of corrective farriery and his long and ongoing service to equine science and welfare
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2018
Finalist - The British Grooms Association
represented by Lucy Katan
In recognition of its pioneering work to raise the status of the groom in the equine sector, including professional development, relationships with employers, peer support, and assistance for equestrian employers
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2017
Winner - Jim Green
In recognition of his dedication to the development of large animal rescue methodology, training and equipment that is now standard throughout the UK Fire and Rescue Service and being rolled out worldwide.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2017
Bonny Millar (finalist), Prof Josh Slater, representing Jim Green (winner), Maureen James (finalist)
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2016
Winner - Sue Martin
In recognition of her contribution to the development of equine apprenticeships, leadership of the Equestrian Trailblazer Steering Group and continuing support for riding schools.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2016
Baroness Ann Mallalieu (finalist), HRH The Princess Royal, Sue Martin (winner), Jenifer Gilbey, representing Walter Gilbey (finalist)
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2015
Winner - Paul Richard Greeves
In recognition of the guiding influence he has provided to Thoroughbred racing and breeding during the past 40 years and his devotion to maintaining the integrity of the breed internationally by embracing scientific developments.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2014
Winner - Dr Andrew Waller
In recognition of the collective work of the Animal Health Trust's Infectious Disease Group to help protect the nation's equines.
Sir Colin Spedding Award 2013
Winner - Alexander Martin Clunes
In recognition of the collective work of UK Equine Welfare Charities during the winter of 2012.