Kendal horse rider wins award from UK's oldest equestrian magazine

39-year-old Amy Dixon was awarded 'Amateur Rider of the Year 2023' by Horse & Hound magazine, established in 1884, which covers the industry UK wide from equestrian events to veterinary advice.

The accolade comes after she won what is considered to be the most important and oldest horse event in Britain.

Along with her 12-year-old horse, Goodluck II (Ronnie), Amy won the BE90 grassroots championships at the Badminton Horse Trials 2023. This was the second win in her class after the first was on horse, Maid In Holland, in 2010.

She then went on to win the BE90 Scottish Grassroots Eventing Festival at Blair Castle in August of this year.  

Amy is a true grassroots rider and works in her family's business, the Bluebird Café, in Coniston. 

The 'Amateur' category acknowledges outstanding riders who don't make a living off horses or riding.

She was nominated by the 'weekly bible's' official judges before being narrowed down with others in four different categories across all disciplines. 

These included showing, dressage, le trec and her own which is eventing.

It then came down to the nail-biting public vote. 

Amy said: "I was absolutely elated to be in the top four, but I didn't think I'd lucky enough to win.  I felt like I'd done so well so far I couldn't possibly have it all.

"The awards ceremony was a very magical evening at the very grand venue of Dallas Burton Polo Club in Warwickshire. 

"My friends and family came and there were around 300 people.  The organisers made us feel very special, however.

"I didn't know until the outcome until the night itself and when the winner was announced I was just so shocked and overwhelmed.

"It was very humbling to be acknowledged alongside such amazing horse men and women and to share the stage with the likes of Eventing World Champion Ros Canter.

"My mum and dad were so proud of me along with my partner, Simon Hill, who is not horsey at all but has been there at every event. 

"My best friend who works in a school wasn't able to get the time off but drove all the way there and back on three hours' sleep as she had to be back in work the next day.

"I'd like to thank them along with all the people that voted for me - I still can't believe it."

Amy and her horse have been having a well-earned rest from eventing, however Ronnie went swimming last week to help get his fitness levels back up in preparation for more next year.