BEF STAND PROUD

The British Equestrian Federation has become Sports Coach UK’s Governing Body of the Year. They were short listed with Rugby and Swimming but selected ahead of them. The award was presented at the Coaching Awards on Tuesday evening in Old Billingsate, London.
The criterion for the award is:

 

 

Chief Executive of the BEF, Andrew Finding said, “We are delighted to have won this award - it’s fantastic to be recognised as a leading sport in this area. The lottery funding we receive has been instrumental in allowing the Federation as a whole to professionalise the sport.  Last night the judges also recognised our collaborative work.  The great thrill has been to see our broad community working together, be they from Vaulting, Driving, Show Jumping, the British Horse Society, the RDA or the Pony Club, from England, Scotland or Wales.  It is the effectiveness of this collaboration of equals that has made the difference”.

 

‘It’s a tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone, but particularly Colin Wilson, who started the work in a consultancy role for us, and then Head of Sports Development, Suzanne Genery who has provided the leadership in coaching within our Federation. I want also to pay tribute to the leaders of our 16 member body organisations that make up our Federation – these are the people who have made it happen on the ground – thank you all.’

 

Andrew was deeply privileged to receive the award with Suzanne on behalf of the entire Federation last night but was delighted that he was able to share the experience in having representatives from BHS (and EQL), The Pony Club, RDA, British Showjumping and SEA (and Horse and Hound) at a Federation table. He said, “These people, who with others, have worked so hard for the horses and for our coaches to be recognised in front of 500 guests from almost every sport in the land”, “Our points of contact from UK Sport and Sport England have said today:

 

UK Sport:I wasn’t able to get along to the Coaching Awards last night but heard the great news of your award. You must be very pleased.

Congratulations to you and your team!!

 

Sport England: wow......NGB of the year for coaching! Well done to you all - many congratulations.

 

 

British Showjumping would like to congratulate the British Equestrian Federation on this prestigious award.