Adrian Bigg, a British Horse Society (BHS) volunteer from Cornwall, has been awarded this year’s Horse & Hound Dengie Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding contribution to equestrian access.
The award recognises the sacrifice made by Adrian to enable countless people to safely enjoy horse riding, through his work in preserving and protecting equestrian rights of way in the UK.
Adrian has made a huge impact on rights of way for horse riders, through volunteering for over 18 years as a local BHS Access and Bridleway Officer in St Ives, Cornwall and as Chairman of the West Penwith Bridleways Association. One of his most notable achievements has been spearheading the creation of DOBBIN, an online mapping tool used daily by hundreds of BHS volunteers to plot routes. Adrian has helped save many bridleways and byways with this tool and his work will undoubtedly keep horses and riders safe on traffic-free rights of way for years to come.
Adrian said: “I was astounded to learn that I have been given the award, and especially considering all the other volunteers who are equally committed and doing so much good work. I find the volunteer work rewarding in itself. It is something that you have to enjoy doing even though, and especially in access work, success is not guaranteed. However even small successes and helping others in their work provides that motivation for doing more.”
Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access, accepted the award on behalf of Adrian at the Horse & Hound Awards ceremony at Cheltenham Racecourse. A BHS spokesperson commented: “We are delighted that Adrian’s dedication and hard work has been recognised with this award. Adrian is an inspiration within the rights of way community and could not be more deserving of this award. A huge congratulations to Adrian!”
The BHS Access team are committed to enhancing and maintaining the UK’s equestrian access network to provide safe off-road routes for horse riders, with a team of 280 local volunteers.
Find out more about our Access work