WORCESTERSHIRE based event rider and trainer Stella Baylis is to present an annual award to her hardest working pupil to encourage grass route riders.

Stella, who is based at Welland, near Malvern, has given her first British Eventing (BE) award to Louise Calverley, who is thrilled with her much-coveted BE riders membership, free lessons, an embroidered rug and a jacket in recognition for her hard work.

Louise, who lives in Upton-upon-Severn, has successfully brought on a very young horse at BE grassroots level, despite being in a busy full-time job, with no training facilities and no “horsey”

family as back-up.

Stella, who has been eventing for more than 25 years, said: “I know how hard this is to do as I was once a rider like this.I am fortunate now to have my dream job, good facilities and super horses.

“There are almost no awards given to true grassroots riders like this, so I have decided to do something about it.”

Stella, who is working towards competing at the prestigious Blenheim Horse Trials, says eventing at championship level is also what she wants for her best pupils and believes the award will encourage people to aim high in the eventing world.

“It is so rewarding for a coach such as myself to see pupils progress through the ranks.I have achieved champion and regional levels with some of my pupils and it takes time to learn all the skills necessary to get to the top.”

Louise said: “I am so lucky to have been given this award,I really can’t believe it.I only started eventing four years ago, and I’d only had proper lessons for a couple of years before that.

“Stella has taught me all this time, taking me from happy hacker to an eventing-mad addict.

“She is a brilliant teacher and I never dreamt I’d have achieved what I have with her help.

“Eventing is so expensive and this award means I’ll be able to have more lessons and work towards my goal of moving my horse up the levels this year.”

Stella has produced horses from scratch right up to advanced level. She currently has a range of top quality young horses working their way through the grades, as well as Trefeinon Icon, her advanced horse.

“I have started most of my horses from unbroken youngsters and believe that event horses thrive on the partnership of trust that you build up with them and I find this also applies to coaching a rider,” said Stella.

“If you work hard and do it with a smile, support others and always treat your horse like a star then he will become one. People notice when you are successful but they also notice how you got there.”

Stella also teaches at Ledbury and Malvern pony clubs at all levels from lead reins up to the seniors competing at British Eventing, BSJA and the pony club championships. Visit stellabaylis eventing.co.uk or e-mail info@stellabayliseventing.co.uk.