The sixth annual SEIB Insurance Brokers Awards rewarded equestrian excellence at a ceremony held at Eton College Dorney Lake, Berkshire, on 4 July.
The honours included the SEIB You’re a Star Awards where loyal, hardworking and talented individuals were recognised for their contribution to the industry. Winners included the late Her Majesty’s head groom, Terry Pendry, and showing producer, Katie Jerram-Hunnable and her husband, Chris Hunnable (pictured above). Katie rides and produces many of the late Queen’s horses, and she and Chris have provided “unwavering support” for SEIB Search for a Star for very nearly 30 years.
“We thought who more fitting to present Katie and Chris with their award than the late Her Majesty’s head groom, Terry Pendry, Military Knight, LVO, BEM who then was humbled to receive his own extra surprise award up on stage,” said SEIB’s Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie. “I cannot thank Katie and Chris enough for their support. Whether it be driving across the country to judge one class or 10, provide advice, steward or even take part in online Q&A sessions, nothing is ever any trouble for them”.
SEIB, who is celebrating its 60th year, also announced the SEIB Charity Awards winners and shared £60,600 across 10 small and medium-sized good causes through its SEIB Giving scheme. Among the winners were The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (pictured below) and The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.
Lauren Vickerson and Gillian Carslisle recieve the cheque for £4,060 on behalf of the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre from Steve Astley Suzy Middleton and Bipin Thaker. Credit: Trevor Meeks
“Celebrating turning 60 is a major milestone for SEIB.” said SEIB’s Chief Executive Officer Suzy Middleton. “Our annual awards have been such an opportunity to celebrate with and thank those that we work with, for their unwavering support over the years in helping SEIB to have grown into such a success story.
“Following the public nominations stage for SEIB Giving, it was encouraging to see so many of our customers engaging by voting for their favourite charity in the second round. Today has seen the £60,600 shared out between such a deserving variety of good causes.”
Mandi Rowe and Harriet King receive the Large Riding School of the Year award from Suzy Middleton Sarah Jenkins Winnie Murphy and Bipin Thaker SEIB Awards 2023. Credit: Trevor Meeks
In the SEIB Yard of the Year Awards, in association with British Equestrian and Horse & Hound, followed. Over 920 nominations were made for yards, riding schools and RDA centres throughout the country. Among the winners was Arrow Riding Centre in Kent, who received The SEIB RDA Centre of the Year, while Mandi Rowe and Harriet King (pictured above) were named the Large Riding School of the Year.
“It’s been a privilege to be involved with the SEIB Yard of the Year Awards, so thank you to the SEIB team for their vision and support,” said Head of Communications at British Equestrian, Winnie Murphy. “Learning more about the fantastic work going on across our industry, the dedication involved and the communities the yards create is truly inspiring. Congratulations to all who were involved and especially our winners who certainly shone through.”
Lead image: L to R Suzy Middleton, Terry Pendry, Chris Hunnable, Katie Jerram Hunnable and Bipin Thaker. Credit: Trevor Meeks
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