Grace Muir, Founder and CEO of HEROS — a charity dedicated to retraining and rehoming former racehorses and providing education for young people with special needs — was among the exceptional equestrians who received honours last month (29 January).
Grace was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List and appointed an MBE in June 2025, and in January this year she received her award from The Princess Royal at St James’s Palace.
HEROS was founded in 2015 and has since transformed the lives of hundreds of former racehorses and an ever‑growing number of young people.
“This is the biggest honour of my life,” said Grace. “I am passionate about what I do because I truly love my work — it is my life.
“To be recognised and awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List was incredible and beyond my wildest dreams. It was a great privilege for my family and I to attend St James’s Palace, and it felt especially fitting that Princess Anne presented the award, given her deep involvement in the equine world.
“I hope this recognition will strengthen my ability to advocate for ex‑racehorses and young people. As we celebrate 20 years of HEROS, I remain as determined as ever to advance our mission and expand our efforts to support positive, happy outcomes for both horses and young people.”
Lucy Katan, Founder of the British Grooms Association also received an MBE for her Services to Sport.
Lucy founded the British Grooms Association in 2007, recognising the urgent need for a dedicated organisation to represent, support and speak up for grooms.
“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.”
Debra Batchelor and Susan Price received British Empire Medals in recognition of their work for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
Debra is a Trustee and Director for The Margaret Haes Riding Centre in Bury, Greater Manchester.
“It’s a huge honour and I am feeling very humble,” Debra said. “My husband, John, and my family and friends are very proud.
“I have had so many heartfelt congratulations from the local community and everyone involved with the Riding Centre, including staff and volunteers, which has been amazing and overwhelming.”
Susan, Chief Coach of the West Suffolk Group and Suffolk County Chair, has volunteered for the RDA for nearly 40 years.
“It’s pretty amazing really,” said Susan on receiving the honour. “All the volunteers do such fabulous work – it’s for all of them as much as it is me.”
Angela Ellis, Secretary of Crawley and Horsham Pony Club, also received a British Empire Medal for services to children, as well as David Nicholls, Consultant Farrier at Liphook Equine Hospital, for his services to horse welfare and farriery.
