Fantastic Annual Course 2023

From Sam York FBHS on behalf of the committee ….

Wow, what can I say – what a fantastic few days we have all had. A seriously packed two days of thought-provoking discussion, top class coaching, study groups and so much more, all leading to some, at times, contentious and divided opinions on so many different aspects of our industry, but all of which are so healthy and important to have when you have an equestrian centre full of such highly qualified and experienced industry practitioners!

There were endless professional discussions being facilitated over the two days, and all this done within the security of our closed membership group where we feel we can be open and frank with such like-minded and professional people, even when touching on some very sensitive subjects that required some honest and reflective looking at ourselves and our equine industry. I don’t think I have ever listened to so many in-depth and passionate conversations as I have over the last two days, most of which were outside of the incredibly valuable and well-organised lunch time discussions and study groups.

This is what this conference is all about!

Thanks to all those who facilitated and were involved in the group discussions, especially thanks to guests James Hick CEO of the BHS, Roly Owers CEO world horse welfare, Anne Bondi, Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Eric Smiley and Danny Anholt.
Massive thanks to Ann Bostock who is the absolute organiser and leader of this whole course and to the whole committee as well but especially to Alison and Jude who literally dot the i’s and cross the t’s. This association would not be what it is without these two.

Thank you for the endless amazing feedback I and the committee have received. I’ve been blown away with so many positive comments and communications about the course this year.

I’m still very new to the post as chair but I will try very hard to represent the membership as much as I can. How can I really fail with the amazing committee that we have and such inspirational members.

Massive thanks must go out to all the members who could be present and your invaluable contributions and support of this fantastic organisation.I know you all join me in especially thanking our two hard working coaches who didn’t stop working for the full two days. So many thanks to Caroline Moore and Adam Kemp and also to Nick Turner who so kindly stood in for Caroline just at the very end of the last day as she had to get home.

And last but not least, massive congratulations to our very worthy winners of the prestigious F & I awards:-

Ann Bostock taking the brand new Queen Elizabeth II Award. The Queen Elizabeth II Award is a new award this year, in memory of our late Queen, for outstanding dedication to the Equine industry, as recognised by F&I.

Sam Champney-Warrener (Pat Smallwood Award) The Pat Smallwood Award is for outstanding service to F&I and the membership.

Russell MacKechnie-Guire (Achievement Award) The Achievement Award is for an F&I member who shows exceptional determination and commitment to the path they want to follow.

Emily Farleigh (Tom Searle Award).The Tom Searle Award is for a young up-and-coming F&I member who is supportive and inspirational for other up-and-coming members.

Full written reports by our members to follow very soon. I hope you all had a safe journey back home and, like mine, your wonderful horses are all having a rest day, and that you are all as inspired and set up for 2023 as I am.

Look out for our course reports coming soon and our next F&I events for 2023 and again Happy New Year to you all

Sam York FBHS