AWARDS for excellence, enthusiasm, dedication and improvement were made to 19 riders and one horse at Worcester and District Riding Club’s annual meeting supper at the Holt Fleet Hotel, Holt, near Worcester.

All those who had represented the club at the national championships in Lincoln after qualifying at area competitions received gift vouchers and Vicki Hancox, who proved to be the best style jumper in the land, was awarded the Jane Radford Memorial Trophy.

The Derrick Watts Memorial showjumping trophy went to area winner Jodie Aston and the Clover Challenge eventing trophy to Michelle Burton for winning her class at the club’s one day event.

The trophies for dressage and showing went to Liz Lindsay, who also represented the club at dressage to music, and the Jock Pridham trophy for enthusiasm was presented to Clare Gabriel.

Most improved member was Natalie Lindsay and the Wessington Cup for participation in area teams was awarded to Beth Evans.

The Yeomans Cup for participation in Mercian Teams – a local league – was won by Maggie Bakewell and the trophy for service beyond the call of duty went to committee member Jan Gilbert.

Non-riding helper of the year was Margot McAndrew and horse of the year was Noble Artist, which jumped into the limelight at the national championships when a team member’s horse was injured.

The chairman’s award went to co-opted committee member Clare Perry for outstanding service.

Sarah Lovatt, the club chairman, reported an excellent year in which more than 50 of the club’s 90 members had represented the group in competitions, culminating in second place in the Mercian League, sending seven riders to the national championships, the style jumping team coming third and Vicki Hancox being named national champion.