Nick Skelton CBE has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to equestrianism, and was presented with his award by Her Majesty The Queen in the Castle Arena at Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Nick made history at the Rio 2016 Olympics, by winning Great Britain’s first ever Individual Gold showjumping medal. Four years earlier, at London 2012, Nick and Big Star played a key role in Great Britain’s first showjumping team gold to be won for more than 60 years.
These achievements are even more impressive as in 2000 Nick broke his neck in a fall, and was told that he would not ride again. Despite this, in 2002, Nick defied all odds by returning to the sport and climbing to the top ten of the world rankings.
Aside from his riding career, Nick takes part in a huge amount of charity work. He is the Vice-President and Patron of many charities.
Lynn Petersen, Chief Executive of The British Horse Society said: “It is a pleasure and an honour for The British Horse Society to be awarding Nick with the Queen’s Award. His dedication to the equestrian industry has been and still is, inspirational. There couldn’t be a better time for us to award Nick, than after his and Big Star’s retirement ceremony.”
A selection panel made up of the Chairmen of equestrian organisations put forward nominations to The British Horse Society’s Board of Trustees who select who will receive the award. Approval is then sought from Her Majesty The Queen.
Past recipients include HRH The Princess Royal, Carl Hester MBE and Yogi Breisner MBE.
