Fearne Wharton (17) has been chosen as October’s The Howden Way Spotlight Award winner for celebrating development of skills and knowledge over outcome, being a good role model and ambassador for the sport, and ensuring the welfare of all. As part of her award, Fearne wins a uvex exxential II riding helmet, courtesy of Zebra Products.
Coach Jane Graham nominated Fearne for the October Spotlight Award on behalf of the North region. She said: “I noticed Fearne at her first BE80(T) with ‘Fudge’ at Breckenbrough and suggested that U18 North could be a programme she would enjoy. From that day Fearne has been a valued member of our squad, fully engaging and demonstrating the highest standards of stable management, competitive spirit and being a team player, representing the North at the Youth Championships.
“Dealing with the highs and lows of horses, Fearne has conducted herself in a mature way, spending hours ensuring her horses are fit and ready to compete. Fearne is always busy; attending school, attaining her PC B test, working as a waitress and riding out at John Thornton’s yard. She has had a fantastic end to her season, including four wins on three different rides at BE90, 100 and Novice – her dedication has paid off!”
Laura Collett, who has the pleasure of selecting the winning candidate, said: “Competing horses isn’t just about the riding, it’s about the day-to-day management, care and training which is pivotal to happy and successful horses and riders. Juggling all of that with school and part-time jobs shows how dedicated and hard-working Fearne is. She is the perfect role-model for any budding event rider, and is very deserving of the award.”
Fearne commented: “I’ve have three great horses to ride this season, including Kilwaughter Storm, owned by John Thornton and Stuart Graves. We were selected to compete at Bishop Burton where our team finished third and I was 11th individually at BE100U18. At Novice, we gained three wins and a top ten at my first international.
“My own Circus Maximus II had two wins, one at BE100U18 at Alnwick Ford and Novice U18 at Askham Bryan.”
“Fudge is the pony I started British Eventing with in 2021 and in our first year we were selected for the Northern U18 team and again this year. We won our last event of the season (BE90U18 at Askham Bryan). Fudge has taught me so much.”
“I am delighted and honoured to have received October’s Howden Way spotlight Award. It is a fantastic way to end a great season and all thanks to my parents, coaches Dannii Little and John Thornton, and the Northern U18 coaches and coordinators. The U18 system is great and has set me up for an exciting future in eventing.”
Each month, coaches are invited to nominate a member who has championed the sport’s core values, whether it be welfare, driving for inclusivity, creating camaraderie and supporting others, celebrating development of skills and knowledge over outcomes and developing true ambassadors for the sport. The winner is then selected by Olympic Gold Medallist, Laura Collett, from a shortlist of contenders.
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