THE ELLA POPELY AWARD
‘in the pursuit of sporting excellence’

 
OBJECTIVE
To give an up and coming British Showjumping rider aged between 18 - 25 years old an opportunity to be mentored by one of the best riders in the world.

The award will be for a talented individual who is competing at 1.40 level who has also shown exceptional resilience and dedication in the pursuit of sporting excellence.

They will have shown themselves to:
- be a true sportsperson who represents the sport well at all levels
- be a team player who encourages others
- is focused on their riding without it being at the detriment to others

One person will be identified by the end of each year, from a panel of selectors, and be matched with a mentor who feels they can assist the individual to develop further in the sport.

From an initial one to two day mentoring, the mentor will commit to aligning with the rider from an advice and guidance perspective for the twelve month period.

AWARD WINNERS
2024 - Lauren Caroline (mentor: Shane Breen)
2023 - Faye Sutton (mentor: Michael Whitaker)
2022 - Robert Murphy (mentor Peter Charles MBE)
2020 - Millie Allen (mentor: Anthony Condon)
2019  -  William Fletcher (mentor: Laura Kraut)
2018  -  Jake Saywell (mentor: Lauren Hough)

2025 MENTORSHIP

You can find out more about the mentorship award and how to appy here.


Mentorship – Key Benefits in 2025

- 12 month mentorship 
   The mentorship will be specifically tailored to the Award Winner following an initial discussion
   between the award winner and the mentor to ascertain the year’s objectives.

- 12 month British Showjumping membership for the winner and 1 horse registration
   A free British Showjumping membership renewal for both the winner and one of their horses.

- Hickstead show credit package 
   One free stable at each of the three Hickstead shows over the season plus one annual riding
   membership.  If only one or two shows are contested, then the unused free stable can be
   transferred across

*Additional support over and above the mentorship may be available