Britain's best grooms were honoured at the weekend at an awards ceremony in London. Chris Hewlett, managing director of sponsors Haddon Training, presented awards in four catagories. “The standard of nominations received in the four categories was extremely high. Along with my co-judges, Jane Holderness-Roddam and Jenny Ellis, we deliberated for a number of hours of who should be the worthy winners and feel that they have all made an outstanding contribution in their careers or at the start of their career in the equestrian industry," said Hewlett. The Haddon Training British Grooms Award was awarded to Adele Clarke, who was nominated by her employers, Vin and Liz Jones of Preci-Spark event horses, citing that since Adele, joined them nine years ago, her professionalism, skill and dedication are second to none and they have total trust in her to manage any situation which may arise, having the responsibility for the Preci-Spark competition yard of around ten horses, which is 25 minutes away from where they live. Daniel Tarpey received the runners-up award in this category being nominated by his employer Laura Mantel, who highlighted that since Daniel joined her team that he has transformed the overall appearance in her yard, the wellbeing of the horses and above all the amazing way in which he carries out the daily chores in the most diligent but efficient and time effective manner. The Haddon Training Team GBR Award was presented to Alan Davies, nominated by Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin along with Richard Waygood, World Class Dressage Performance Manager, all of them citing how meticulous Alan is in his organisation, leaving nothing to chance with no stone unturned and the unrivalled empathy that he has with the horses in his care. Alan has played a key part in Carl and Charlotte’s success over the last few years and how much Team GBR feel very fortunate to have him as part of its team. The Haddon Training Yard Manager Award was presented to Kate Hort – nominated by Alex Hua Tian and Sarah Higgins whose yard Kate had managed for two years her role at Pinfold Stables includes, staff management and training, all aspects of accounts, maintaining all of the relationships with owners and sponsors, diary management and has even been known to tax their cars, do their laundry and even feed them! However, Alex and Sarah feel the greatest testament to Kate were the emails and phone calls they received from their vet, farrier, owners and junior staff members pointing them in the direction of this award and suggesting that Kate should be nominated.
