The Horse Trust was named as the winning charity at today’s SEIB Charity Awards, which followed a champagne reception and three-course meal at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire today.
SEIB’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Suzy Middleton and Chief Operations Officer Bipin Thaker presented a cheque for £10,000 and a commemorative plaque to Jan Rogers and Jessica Keane from The Horse Trust (pictured above).
Nine other charities reached the final voting stage and received a further £33,000 from SEIB between them, including £8,000 for Epsom Riding for the Disabled, which was voted top small charity with a turnover of under £100,000.
The other finalists were Children’s Heart Unit Fund, Missing People, Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, Me&dee Charity, SiMBA, Proteus Reptile Trust, World Horse Welfare and Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare.
Only small and medium charities are eligible for the awards and they are nominated by the general public.
Customers of SEIB then have the final vote for the top 10 placings and the recipient of the £10,000 top prize.
SEIB and Horseworld Trust Inspirational Award
Sophie Gifford received this award for founding and organising the Great Horses for Health Relay ride, which celebrates horses and the important role they can play in helping mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
The ride started in May and is due to finish in October, after covering the whole of Great Britain and participating riders passing a baton between each other as they complete a section each.
The ride is also raising funds for seven equine charities.
“I am so grateful and proud to have been awarded the Inspirations Fundraiser on behalf of Horse for Health,” said Sophie. “So many people have worked very hard to pull together events across the UK. This award is a testimony to their enthusiasm and commitment.”
SEIB’s Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie, said: “We are delighted to support the amazing work Sophie has done in highlighting the positive effect our wonderful horses can have on mental health.
“The Great Horses for Health Relay has included a vast array of people from all walks of life, from right across the country.”
SEIB and NAFD Lifetime Achievement Award
Nigel Lymn Rose, Company Chairman of A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service, received this award.
In the fourth generation of the family business, Nigel has spent more than 50 years of his life helping the bereaved in Nottinghamshire and South Derbyshire.
“I am humbled by this award,” said Nigel. “It is nice to have my family here – even though they must have cheated on me by sending on words and pictures without me knowing – I really am honoured.
“People ask me why I don’t retire, but my work is my hobby, I don’t want to do anything else.”
The other charity award winners were:
SEIB Riding for the Disabled Association Centre of the Year
Winner: Barrow Farm RDA in Essex, with the trophy received by Anne Mitchell and Karen Lehner
Highly commended: Peggy Douglas and her daughter Sophie from Erme Valley RDA in Devon
SEIB Small Riding School of the Year
Winner: Contessa Riding and Training Centre, collected by Tina Layton and Betty Vegere
Highly commended: Gerry Dunne and manager Cam Christie of Grovely Riding Centre near Salisbury.
SEIB Large Riding School of the Year
Winner: Abergavenny-based Triley Fields Equestrian Centre (Beccy Field)
Highly commended: Lorraine Webster and April Eley of Kingsmead Equestrian Centre and Pippa Hutton from the Talland School of Equitation
SEIB Do it Yourself (DIY) Livery Yard of the Year
Winner: Berries Farm Liveries (Jen Brooker and Richard Pointer)
Highly commended: iAndrew and Abigail Turnbull from Richmond Equestrian centre in North Yorkshire
SEIB Full Livery Yard of the Year
Winner: Jason and Helen Newbold of Folly Fields Farm
