Three members of Great Britain’s para-dressage team were among the recipients of a BEF Medal of Honour, awarded to seven ambassadors of equestrianism at Olympia, The London International Horse Show.
Presented by the BEF Interim Chair, Ed Warner, the ceremony took place in the main arena and recognised those who have made an outstanding contribution equestrian sport. The recipients join a cohort of 306 medal holders dating back to February 1949.
Para-Dressage athletes, Julie Payne, Suzanna Hext and Erin Orford are recognised for their individual medal-winning performances at this year’s FEI European Championships. The trio also contributed to the team’s gold medal, maintaining Great Britain’s unbeaten record at all major championships. The fourth team member, Sophie Wells MBE, received a Medal of Honour in 2010.
Today, Buckinhamshire coach and Grand Prix rider Tom Graham was presented with his UKCC Level 4 certificate following his completion of the two-year qualification, a bespoke programme for high performing coaches and includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice in Sport Coaching delivered by the University of Gloucestershire, in partnership with the BEF and British Rowing.
The Level 4 qualification recognises high performing coaches working in a focussed environment and specialising at a given level of performance. The BEF recognises that informed and confident coaches are key to inspiring participation at all levels and these coaches will bring expertise in growing areas of participation and talent development.