We’re delighted to announce that Abby James has been chosen as March’s Spotlight Award winner. As part of her award, Abby 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 Jo Rimmer nominated Abby for the March Spotlight Award on behalf of the South West region. She said: “She has re-trained a super ex-racehorse and is aiming for the RoR class at Osberton this year with Cornbury as a longer-term goal. She has a lovely harmonious partnership with her horse Snowy and his well-being is a credit to her. She is an asset to a group lesson with her friendliness and sense of fun.”
Laura Collett, who has the pleasure of selecting the winning candidate, said: “Abby’s story really stood out to me. To take on an ex-racehorse and produce him into a confident, happy event horse is no small achievement, and it’s clear how much time, patience and care she’s put into Snowy. The partnership they’ve built is clearly very special. That combination of horsemanship, dedication and genuine enjoyment of the journey is exactly what this award is all about.”
Abby commented: “I bought Snowy (Snow Stoppin' Him) in 2022; he was a five-year-old ex-racehorse and having competed in my teens, I was looking to return to eventing after a long break from riding. His enthusiasm for the job was evident from the outset and our journey together has been as much about my retraining as his.
“We joined British Eventing in 2023 and began regional training and competing. Over the past couple of seasons, we’ve been competing at 100 level, although our journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Snowy has had his fair share of injuries and setbacks, which has made it difficult to maintain consistency with training and competing.
“The BE regional training has been invaluable, giving us access to knowledgeable coaches who not only recognised our potential, but also provided the guidance we needed to progress in the right way. Cameron Beer in particular has been instrumental in our development. The community of like-minded people I've met through the programme, has made the experience even more special. It’s always lovely to see familiar faces out competing, and to have won the Uvex hat from Zebra Products in association with The Howden Way was a really lovely surprise.
“The goal for 2026 is the RoR Eventing Championship at Osberton in May, after which we will hopefully step up to Novice. Beyond that, the ROR class at Cornbury would be an ambition realised.
“I am enormously grateful to Jo Rimmer for the nomination and for organising the regional training, which sees us prepared and excited for the season ahead."
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