SCOTLAND'S leading equine experts were rewarded at last week's National Equestrian Awards ceremony at Airth Castle Hotel, near Stirling, which had been re-scheduled due to the recent wintry weather.

Formerly the horsescotland Annual Awards, these recognise those that have made an outstanding contribution to the equestrian community in Scotland and organisers said there was a record number of nominations this year.

The Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland were the main sponsors of the event which, in this ‘Year of the youth’ saw three new awards categories specifically for Under 21s.

Endurance cyclist, Mark Beaumont, was the keynote speaker and presented the prizes.

The winners were:

• Youth Coach of the Year – Duncan McFadyen

• Youth Volunteer of the Year – Dawn Edward

• Youth Performer of the Year – Fraser Reed

• Equestrian Business of the Year – Sinclair Photography

• Equestrian Photo of the Year – Sinclair Photography

• Employee of the Year – Lynne Cree

• Equine Breeder of the Year – Ronnie Black

• Owner of the Year – Deborah Thomson and Belinda McClung

• Club of the Year – Scottish Tetrathlon

• Volunteer of the Year – Audrey Smart

• Young Peoples Coach of the Year – Olivia Wilmot

• Participation Coach of the Year – Liz Love

• Performance Coach of the Year – Hannah Eccles

• Writer of the Year – Helene Mauchlen

• Performer of the Year – Derek Fox

• Lifetime Achievement – Heather Galbraith

• Special Recognition – Muriel Colquhoun