Several equestrians have been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours List, which was released in line with the monarch’s official birthday on Saturday 14 June.
Among them are the founders of the British Grooms Association and ex-racehorse charity HEROS, as well as a Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) volunteer with nearly 40 years of service and a professor who is a world leader in equine science and education.
Lucy Katan MBE, BGA
Lucy Katan, who founded the British Grooms Association (BGA), has been awarded an MBE for services to sport.
“For over 20 years I have worked (and fought) for the recognition, reward, respect and correct employment of grooms,” she said.
“This is such a special honour and I promise to use it to further build the associations and my legacy to the equestrian industry.”
Grace Muir MBE, HEROS
Grace Muir, founder and CEO of the ex-racehorse charity HEROS, has been appointed an MBE for services to charity, animal welfare and education.
HEROS is approaching its 20th anniversary and Grace is credited with changing the lives of hundreds of former racehorses, as well as numerous children through the HEROS education scheme.
“This is the biggest honour of my life,” said Grace.
“I could have not envisaged all those years ago what HEROS has become and the journey it would take me on. I feel honoured to be at helm of such and amazing organisation that changes and improves the lives of horses and young people.
“I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of HEROS has in store for me and the amazing team of people behind me and HEROS.”
Heather Armstrong MBE, Gambia Trust
Also appointed an MBE is Heather Armstrong, Director of Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust, for services to animal welfare and the alleviation of poverty in The Gambia.
“Heather has worked tirelessly and unpaid for the benefit of the people and the animals in The Gambia since 2002,” said trustee Andrea Dawson.
“She is eternally optimistic and sees the potential and best in people.
“She truly is an inspiration with her compassion.”
Natalie Waran OBE, Professor
Hartpury University’s visiting professor Natalie Waran has been awarded an OBE.
She is a globally recognised figure in animal welfare science and a leader in equine science and education.
“I am extremely honoured to receive this OBE, which I see as recognition not just of my own work, but also of the collaborative efforts of countless colleagues, students and organisations who work tirelessly to advance horse welfare and improve our understanding of their needs,” she said.
““I’m privileged to be working with the Hartpury University team to advance equine welfare research and education, enabling equestrians and equine industry stakeholders to make a positive difference to horses’ lives.”
David Howden CBE
David Howden, chief executive officer of Hyperion Insurance Group Limited, received a CBE for services to insurance.
He is also the founder and president of Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire.
In May 2022, a seven-figure investment from David was announced by British Eventing.
It was the largest amount of direct sponsorship into one of the national governing bodies of an Olympic equestrian discipline and funded new training opportunities as well as the creation of a young horse pathway.
The Howden Way also funds the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme, helping retired racehorses to successfully transition into a new career.
Susan Price, RDA
Susan Price, Chair of West Suffolk and Suffolk County RDA, received a British Empire Medal for services to people with disabilities.
“It’s pretty amazing really,” said Susan, who has been an RDA volunteer for nearly 40 years.
“I’m still not sure I deserve it but that’s how you feel I guess. All the volunteers do such fabulous work — it’s for all of them as much as it is me.“
British Empire Medals
Also named on the King’s Birthday Honours List and receiving a British Empire Medal was David Nicholls, a consultant farrier at Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire, for services to horse welfare and farriery.
Angela Ellis, secretary of the Crawley and Horsham Pony Club, was awarded the same medal for services to children in West Sussex.
Royal Victorian Medals
Peter Harris, a groom at Hampton Court Palace Stables, and Justin Kemp, a liveried helper (caring for horses) at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, both received a silver Royal Victoria Medal, which is a part of the Royal Victorian Order.
Professor Stephen May, Emeritus Professor of the Royal Veterinary College, was appointed an OBE for services to veterinary education and animals in science.
View the King’s Birthday Honours List in full here
Main image © Shutterstock. Inset images as labelled
