23rd July 2010
The British Equestrian
Federation (BEF) presented David Hunter with the BEF Medal of Honour
during the Para-equestrian dressage prize-giving at the Festival of
Dressage, Hartpury on Friday 16th July 2010.
The BEF Medal of
Honour is primarily an award designed to recognise activities connected
with international endeavours in relation to equestrian sport. It is
awarded for outstanding service to the British Equestrian Federation or
one of its member bodies - in this case British Dressage.
The
medal, which has been recognising the achievement of individuals in the
equestrian community since 1949, can be in recognition of riding prowess
or other support of the British international effort.
Amanda
Bond, Chief Executive of British Dressage said on David's award; "The
achievements of Team GBR under his direction have not only been a
shining light for equestrian sport, but have also helped towards the
increasing dominance of Great Britain in Paralympic sport".
Beginning
his career as a British Army cavalry officer he spent a year in Samur
at the Ecole National d'Equitation, before leaving in 1993 to become
Director of Equine Welfare for the ILPH and then the Chief Executive and
Clerk of the Course at Fakenham Racecourse in 1998.
He has been
Performance Manager to the British Para-equestrian dressage squad since
2002, leading the Brits to team and individual success, with 3 European,
2 World and 2 Paralympic Team titles and 33 Gold, 16 Silver and 12
Bronze Individual medals.