Alison's dedication recognised
Strule Valley Riding Club secretary receives British Horse Society award
It is always wonderful when people from Northern Ireland are recognised for their contributions to the horsey world, even moreso when it is with a UK-wide award!
Co Tyrone’s Alison Donnell had all her years of dedication to Strule Valley Riding Club acknowledged recently, with a British Horse Society award. The British Riding Clubs Leo Harris Award was first presented in 1966 and is awarded for excellent service to affiliated Riding Clubs and Area Liaison. Alison was invited along to The British Horse Society Awards Ceremony at Newbury Racecourse to be presented with her award.
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Alison, along with her mother Pearl, Elsie McVeigh and the late Eve Stafford, founded Strule Valley Riding Club 26 years ago, as there was no organised equestrian activity for adults in the area at that time. Alison had been a member of the Pony Club, but when she got too old, the ladies decided to start a riding club to cater for adult riders and provide riding and social activities.
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“When I got too old for the Pony Club, there was no riding club in the area, there was nothing for over 18s,” said Alison.
Alison has been the secretary of the club for many years, a role that requires much dedication and multi-tasking, between organising lessons and shows, collating results and reports for the press, as well as liaising with British Riding Clubs via the liaison committee. She has been assisted by her mother, together with their fellow committee members and club members; over the years, the club has gone from strength to strength.
“It’s been a lot of hard work and I do love it. It’s my passion and the fact that we formed the club together [with her mother] makes it [the club’s success and Alison’s award] more special, because she’s been with me every step of the way.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 26 years and hopefully the club continues to thrive and survive, because it’s nice to have that little bit of leisure time, to get out with the horses and to have a wee social thing of people meeting with their horses,” Alison continued.
“Everyone has the same interests and we meet every Wednesday night, so it’s something for everyone to look forward to.”
Helen Badger, a committee member of the club, nominated Alison for the award, stating her commitment and contributions over many years and why she thought Alison deserved the award. She listed Alison’s length of service to the club, roles within the club, as well as how Alison has inspired others.
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The nomination was sent to British Riding Clubs, after which the area representatives had to vote on which nominee should win the award; the nomination with the most votes wins the Leo Harris Trophy, which they get to keep for a year.
With a huge 31,000 members across more than 480 BRC clubs, Alison was very surprised to be named as the recipient of the Trophy!
“I didn’t think anything would come of [the nomination] because there were loads in for it. It feels fantastic to have won the award, but it took a while for it to sink in,” said Alison.
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Alison travelled over to Newbury Racecourse to receive her award and enjoy an afternoon at the races. BHS Ambassador Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes compered the afternoon and acknowledge all the award winners for their contributions to the equestrian industry.
Alison said afterwards: “I’ve been really touched by the whole experience. The day was really lovely, really well organised. Everyone was lovely and I was so humbled and honoured to be at the Awards Ceremony among so many wonderful people!
“I’m so grateful to receive the Leo Harris Award… It was fantastic!”