Presented on Wednesday 7th May 2024 | Kindly supported by the Event Horse Owners Association
British Eventing was proud to celebrate and recognise the dedication of its volunteer community during a special presentation at Badminton Horse Trials. Supported by the Event Horse Owners Association, the awards honoured three standout winners across key volunteer categories.
This year, we received a record number of nominations, each highlighting the passion and commitment of the volunteers who are the backbone of our sport. Our sincere thanks go to our judging panel — Roger Trivett, Jane Dalgleish, Dave Merrett, Tanya Adamson, Liz Lyall and Jane Holderness-Roddam — who had the difficult task of selecting the winners from such a deserving pool of nominees.
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Sarah Noble
Nominated by Anne Allen
Sarah Noble has become a familiar and much-loved figure on the southern eventing circuit, regularly serving as a cross-country starter or timekeeper nearly every weekend. Despite travelling from London, she never fails to bring warmth, professionalism, and an ever-present smile to every event.
Sarah has been volunteering for over 20 years and is renowned for her calm and efficient manner. Her dedication knows no bounds—she was even cross-country starter at Dauntsey while her own son was competing at the Paris Olympics. A true stalwart of the sport, Sarah embodies everything this award represents.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Masahiro Yonemaru
Nominated by Helen West, Bicton Arena
Originally from Japan, Masahiro “Masa” Yonemaru began volunteering at Bicton Arena in 2023 after being introduced to Helen West through the Japanese Federation. Masa, who has studied in England since the age of 15, quickly established himself as a versatile and invaluable member of the team.
From shadowing cross-country course designers to working on live stream graphics, fence judging in the rain, and even photographing entire cross-country tracks for the event app, Masa’s enthusiasm and dedication shone through in every task. His kindness and thoughtfulness also made a lasting impression—after the tragic loss of Georgie Campbell, Masa drove back to Devon just to check in on the team, chocolates in hand.
He has since gone on to volunteer at several more events including Osberton, supporting cross-country preparations, signage, and technical tasks with tireless energy. Masa is a shining example of the next generation of eventing volunteers.
Fence Judges of the Year
Winners: John and Melissa Seddon
Nominated by Musketeer Events, Jan Cottam, and Dr Lorna McWilliam
John and Melissa Seddon are the kind of volunteers every event organiser dreams of. Experienced, dependable, and endlessly enthusiastic, they spend most weekends on the road, supporting events all over the UK. Their commitment to fence judging — and to the wider volunteer experience — is second to none.
Known for their preparedness (hot water bottles, spare headcollars for loose horses and dog bowls, even though they don’t have a dog!), their warmth and willingness to step in wherever needed has earned them admiration across the community. They are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but also champions of ensuring volunteers feel valued and heard.
Their reward includes the opportunity to fence judge at Badminton Horse Trials in 2025, alongside membership and season passes.
Rosie Williams, CEO of British Eventing, summed up the importance of the volunteer community: “We’ve just celebrated the wonderful volunteers that help out at British Eventing, not just the fence judges and young volunteers and controllers, but everyone who gives their time to help at BE events. I just want to take this opportunity to say congratulations to our award winners, but also a massive thank you to all volunteers everywhere for everything you do for British Eventing. Please keep coming back because we can’t do it without you!”
Want to get involved?
Whether you’re new to the sport or a long-time supporter, volunteering is a fantastic way to be part of the action and contribute to the eventing community.
👉 Find out more about volunteering with British Eventing
