THE SF'S photo-journalist, Emma Cheape and one of our best known equine columnists in our Scottish Horse supplement, Tom Best, have both featured in the horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2019.

The awards, which celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions within Scottish equestrianism, were made last week at a glittering dinner in Dunblane.

Sponsored by the RHASS, the ceremony was led by ex National Hunt jockey, Peter Scudamore who, along with the society's Alan Murray, presented Emma with her award. The judges said: "Through her writing to a national audience, an increase in participation has been reported along with increased support for charities and Emma has brought equestrianism to a wider audience through traditional print and online media."

Emma, who produces our popular 'In my Yard' feature, was just pipped for another award, for the best photograph, as voted for by Facebook users, which went to Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA – its photo submission achieved more than 1200 likes.

The lifetime achievement award went to Tom Best, our columnist, and David Blair for their hard work in making the Waxwing Stud such a nationwide success. From a start in 1972, their Welsh Section A and B ponies are renowned for having excellent temperaments and trainability, with many going on to become winners, including the Horse of the Year Show's supreme pony champion, Waxwing Thumbs Up.

RDA chief executive, Ed Bracher, followed on by thanking horsescotland for helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RDA in Scotland before presenting the RDA Scotland Outstanding Contribution award to Susie Elliot, a volunteer for 50 years.