Dressage judge Stephen Clarke is the 2010 recipient of the prestigious British Horse Society Queen’s Award for Equestrianism.
The Award, which is made on the recommendation of the Trustees of The British Horse Society, is “For Outstanding Services to Equestrianism”.
Clarke received the Award in recognition of his remarkable achievements and outstanding services to dressage.
The only British ‘O’ level judge and one of nine approved FEI Dressage Course Directors, Clarke was the first Briton to judge at an Olympics (in Athens in 2004). He has officiated at the World Equestrian Games, Senior, Junior and Young Rider European Championships and World Cup finals.
On home soil, Clarke chaired BD’s Judges Committee for 10 years and continues in a central role in the training of British judges. His education, support and mentoring have influenced the next generation. Indeed, many of Britain’s senior judging figures are a product of his training and encouragement.
“It is a great honour to represent my country in International competitions, but even more of an honour to receive The Queen’s Award,” Clarke said. “It means a huge amount to me as a member of the BHS, of which I am a strong supporter.”
BHS Chairman Dr Phil Wadey said: “Stephen Clarke’s personal achievements, not least the commitment he has shown to the development of the next generation, sum to a truly outstanding record of service to equestrianism.”
Her Majesty The Queen assented to the creation of The BHS Queen’s Award for Equestrianism in 2005. Previous recipients have been Jennie Loriston-Clarke FBHS MBE (2006), HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (2007), Lars Goran (Yogi) Breisner (2008) and Jane Holderness-Roddam (2009).
The Award is made on the recommendation of the Trustees of The British Horse Society. To ensure that participants from across the spectrum of equestrianism (including the military) are considered, the Trustees invited the Member Bodies of the British Equestrian Federation, the Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry, The British Equestrian Veterinary Association and The National Association of Farriers, Blacksmiths and Agricultural Engineers (NAFBAE) plus BHS Scotland and BHS Northern Ireland, each to nominate a single potential recipient. All organisations are also on the selection panel which reduces the nine names to a shortlist of three.
Full citation:
Stephen Clarke FBHS
Stephen Clarke is one of the leading figures in international dressage.
His full diary of commitments worldwide encompasses the judging of major competitions and the holding of training clinics. The only British ‘O’ level judge and one of nine approved FEI Dressage Course Directors, Stephen was the first Briton to judge at an Olympics (in Athens in 2004). He has officiated at the World Equestrian Games, Senior, Junior and Young Rider European Championships and World Cup finals.
Stephen was also a member of the FEI Dressage committee and was instrumental in compiling the FEI judge’s book, the bible of modern judging. He inspires positive, open judging and accountability, with his efforts earning respect for GB dressage judges.
On home soil, Stephen chaired BD’s Judges Committee for ten years and continues in a central role in the training British Judges. His education, support and mentoring have influenced the next generation. Indeed, many of our senior judging figures are a product of his training and encouragement.
Knowledge, generosity and approachability are his hallmarks. This honour recognises his remarkable achievements and outstanding services to dressage.
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