IDRA celebrates remarkable 50th year at gala awards at King's Hall

IDRA chair Carol Dawson said it was an “unbelievable evening” that was the pinnacle of her 15 years as chair of the group.

And on hand was international show jumper John Whitaker, MBE, who was the guest of honour at the event, along with special guest Eleanor Tomlinson, creator of the Circle of Life paintings.

More than 220 people packed into King’s Hall for the evening as awards were handed out and the group’s achievements celebrated.

Carol said on the night: “Our 50th year has been remarkable, extra shows for dressage and show cross event; images designed by Eleanor Tomlinson for the schedule, in May we celebrated HRH King’s Coronation with a Grand Parade and Fancy Dress, we had the Duchess of Devonshire for a two hour visit to our show in August and now the world’s best in his field John Whitaker is here! What a year!”

For John Whitaker, it was a special return to the group - he presented the awards at the IDRA’s very first presentation evening in 1973, when he was just 18.

Carol said: “And here you are 50 years later, with an unbelievable successful career, where you have won every competition possible. Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals and numerous international medals, the list is endless!! You are the most decorated show jumping riders of all time and what’s more you are from Yorkshire!”

Mr Whitaker said: “So nice to see so many enthusiastic horse people from all ages.”

Eleanor Tomlinson became famous overnight with her heartfelt image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with Paddington Bear to commemorate her Platinum Jubilee.

Carol said: “I was so touched by this image, that I wrote to Eleanor asking if she would like to paint a scene for our schedule to celebrate our 50th year.

“Eleanor created five wonderful paintings reflecting on the Circle of Life.”

The paintings were auctioned off after the awards to raise money for the club.

There were 72 awards in all presented on the night, including several special awards. These included:

The Mrs Barbara Sutherland Trophy for the most improved rider of the club, which went to Francesca Moyle.

The Endeavour Trophy, awarded to the member who showed most tremendous effort and determination, which was Mia Stamp.

The Biscuit Memorial Trophy, in memory of a brave horse owned by Barbara Montford, which went to the pony Dinky Dougall (Ruby).

The David Kemplay Heritage Trophy, for a grandparent and grandchild who have passed down the knowledge of the equine world through the generations, went to Pam Thorne and Georgia Wescott.

The Rob Buck Award, chosen by photographer Rob Buck “for a horse, or pony, he would like to take home” went to Kimico Hanky Spanky (Hero).

The Rosemary Award, presented by the McCullough family in memory of their grandma, went to someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty - this year it was Stephen Freegard, who has served the association in many roles for many years.

Carol said: “He has been a tower of strength in every field - literally, from Presidency, Treasurer and more importantly our cheerful, chatty car park attendant, who meets and greets you on the showfield carpark every month, and of course, the manufacturer of our outstanding rosettes made by his company Rosettes Direct.”

Carol added: "What a terrific night we all had with our honoured guest. The legend John Whitaker MBE presenting your awards, his wife Clare and artist Eleanor Tomlinson. The King’s Hall was filled with glamour and sparkle, glittering trophies and golden rosettes galore! A massive ‘thank you’ to 221 of you for supporting this memorable occasion! Without our members we would not exist."