BHS announces those inducted into the Hall of Fame

The British Horse Society (BHS) inducted the best of the equine world, into its Hall of Fame on Thursday (24.11.16). Each year riders and drivers, breeders, trainers and coaches are enrolled. Those recognised this year were: 

Chilli Morning

• One of the greatest stallions the sport of eventing has ever seen
• William Fox-Pitt: “Chilli for me has been a horse of a lifetime, and as a stallion he is also one in a million. He was just such an amazing all-rounder who loved his job.”

Opposition Buzz (Dodi)

• Ridden by Nicola Wilson, and best known for the zest and enthusiasm he showed when going cross-country
• Rosemary Search, owner and breeder of Opposition Buzz: “To see him recognised in the Hall of Fame is absolutely incredible. It’s beyond my wildest dreams. Dodi was just very special to me, not only because I bred him but also because I delivered him myself.”

Philco

• Ridden by David Broome, Philco made a name for himself in the late 1970s, jumping 29 clear rounds in succession at Wembley International Horseshow. Philco retired from competition at the age of 16 and lived out his days with David until he died at the age of 32.
• David Broome: “It’s a great privilege for Philco to be recognised in the Hall of Fame. He was a wonderful horse for me, especially in the big competitions. He was very agile and always so neat and careful. He was also quite a tough horse; he certainly didn’t let me down very often.”

Avebury

• Ridden by Andrew Nicholson, Avebury won Burghley on three consecutive occasions. It was a huge loss to the sport when Avebury had to be put to sleep in September, but what he achieved will long be remembered.
• Andrew Nicholson: “He was an out and out winner throughout his life – something he loved doing. Equally special was the fact that he was so kind and genuinely loved people. It was an honour to breed and ride him, and he is missed by everyone who was associated with him.”

Christopher Bartle FBHS

• Christopher has achieved great success, not only as an international coach, but also a talented rider and competitor. He was National Dressage Champion from 1984 to 1985. He later turned his attention to eventing and in 1998 won Badminton Horse Trials with Word Perfect.
• Christopher Bartle FBHS: “It is a lovely surprise to have been inducted into the BHS Equestrian Hall of Fame. It is a great honour, especially when I see all those successful and well-known members of the equestrian world who are already Laureates.”I would like to dedicate this award to my mother, Nicole Bartle. She is sadly no longer alive to see me receive it but she is hugely responsible for it.”

Plaques to commemorate all of those inducted are displayed on the wall of the Household Cavalry’s barracks in Knightsbridge.

The selections are made by a panel chaired by the previous BHS Chairman, Claire Aldridge, Lucy Higginson, Liz Edgar, Mary Low, Lucinda Green MBE and Carl Hester MBE.