Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal was presented with the British Equestrian Media Association’s (BEMA) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to equestrianism at the 2024 BEMA awards.
The awards were held in partnership with Agria during a lunch at the London International Horse Show on Wednesday 18 December.
The Princess Royal became European eventing champion on Doublet at Burghley in 1971 and also took home individual and team silver medals at the 1975 European eventing championships at Luhmuhlen on Goodwill. Aboard Goodwill she was a member of the British team at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
As well as her sporting achievements, the Princess Royal has also been president of the FEI, the Riding for the Disabled Association, World Horse Welfare and the British Olympic Association.
“The Princess Royal is a true champion of all things equestrian,” said BEMA chairman Rupert Bell.
“It was an honour to present Her Royal Highness with this award in recognition of her achievements as a rider and her enormous contribution to equestrian sport and the horse world.”
Equestrian of the Year
Dressage rider Becky Moody was voted equestrian of the year following her impressive performance aboard Jagerbomb at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Following a last minute call up to the team when Charlotte Dujardin was provisionally suspended by the FEI just days before the Games started, Becky and ‘Bomb’ helped Britain to secure team bronze in the dressage.
“Maybe externally I took it all in my stride; internally less so,” said Becky about her senior team debut.
“The team I had around me is what made it all possible. My teammates were amazing, but the wider team as well — everyone was fantastic.”
Outstanding contribution
The outstanding contribution award was presented to former international event rider William Fox-Pitt, who retired from top level competition at Badminton last year.
“I feel very emotional receiving such an award. It’s been a great many years working with you all, giving us so much coverage and understanding. It’s not always been plain sailing, but we [riders] really needed the support the press have given us through the ups and downs of the sport,” said William.
“It’s a great game; I’ve been so lucky and ridden some fantastic horses. Through 30-something years I’ve been lucky enough to have had so many nice horses; that’s what’s given me the fun and the exposure, and enabled me to keep going.”
Funnell and Christiansen among other award winners
Another rider to retire in 2024 was Sophie Christiansen, the eight-time Paralympic gold medallist, who was awarded the para dressage accolade, sponsored by Agria.
William Funnell received the BEMA moment of the year award for his fifth victory in the Hickstead Derby aboard Dublon, while young showjumper Oliver Fletcher was presented with the Worshipful Company of Saddlers’ prize for the best under-25 rider.
An image of Badminton winners Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier during their lap of honour netted Julian Portch the Kit Houghton Photo of the Year prize, sponsored by Ariat.
“The 2024 BEMA awards celebrated the outstanding talent and achievements of British riders. It was wonderful to re-live so many highlights, both from this year and over our winners’ sporting careers,” said Rupert Bell.
“A huge thank you to our winning riders for joining us, and to our marvellous sponsors for making the lunch and awards such a success.”
Main image of Rupert Bell presenting award to The Princess Royal © Peter Nixon/BEMA; other images © Peter Hogan/BEMA
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