We’re delighted to announce that Caroline Preston has been chosen as January’s Spotlight Award winner. As part of her award, Caroline wins a uvex exxential 3 riding helmet, courtesy of Zebra Products.
Presented jointly by The Howden Way and British Eventing, the Spotlight Award is a monthly recognition that celebrates individuals who embody the shared values of both organisations. Each month, British Eventing lead coaches are invited to nominate a recipient from their region who has been recognised for their contributions to the eventing community. The winner is then selected by Olympic Gold Medallist, Laura Collett, from a shortlist of contenders.
Coach Will Murray nominated Caroline for the January Spotlight Award on behalf of the North region. He said: “Caroline has been attending BE training in the North for several years. She evented Graduation Tale's dam and has produced him herself, finishing last season with a double clear and top 10 placing at Osberton 105. She is a patient and sympathetic rider who really gets the best out of this talented but sometimes fiery gelding!”
Laura Collett, who has the pleasure of selecting the winning candidate, said: “Caroline really stood out from the nominations this month. It’s clear she has put a huge amount of time, patience and thought into producing her horse herself, and that kind of sympathetic, horse-centred approach is exactly what we want to recognise. Finishing last season with a double clear and a top-10 at Osberton is a fantastic achievement, and it’s lovely to see such consistent commitment to training and development being rewarded. Caroline is a very worthy Spotlight Award winner.”
Caroline commented: “I’m absolutely delighted – and very surprised – to have won this award. Graduation Tale, or ‘Zulu’ as he’s known at home, is my one and only horse and a real family homebred, so this makes it extra special. He was born in the field at home and we’ve known him his whole life. He wasn’t the easiest as a youngster, but last season he really seemed to grow up, and finishing with a double clear and fifth place in the Amateur 105 at Osberton was a real highlight.
“The regional training we’ve done over the years has been hugely beneficial. I’ve learnt so much from a variety of excellent trainers, not just in my own sessions but from watching others too, and people like Will Murray have always been incredibly generous with their advice at events.
“This season we’re hoping to finally qualify for Badminton Grassroots, and maybe even step up to Novice – we’ll see how it goes! I’m thrilled to have won this award and very grateful to Will for nominating me and to Uvex for sponsoring with such a great prize.”
The Howden Way and British Eventing are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, growth, and camaraderie, and the Spotlight Award is a testament to this shared commitment. Each month, a Grassroots (80-100) BE member is nominated by one of British Eventing's lead regional coaches based on their commitment to the following core values and attributes:
For more information on the Spotlight Award, visit here. To find out more about The Howden Way, click here.
For those wishing to join British Eventing, there is a 40% discount for new Pony Club and Riding Club members. For information on how to join, visit here