The Age of Elegance Bronze is currently presented to the Adult Side Saddle Rider of the Year. Some Members may wonder about the origins of The Age of Elegance Bronze currently presented to the Association's Adult Side Saddle Rider of the Year.

Created by Hampshire based sculptress, Annette Yarrow and commissioned by The Blue Ribbon Group, it was first presented to junior member Joanna Morgan (now Bates), the first "Side Saddle Rider of the Year", in 1976, riding Scotch Royale.

Early schedules refer to this fantastic Sculpture mentioning "The Side Saddle Rider of the Year receives a Trophy". Hardly an appropriate title for this work of art and the wonderful wooden box with leather straps it has as its home. Opening the left hand door, a plaque is revealed, listing the year, winners' names and venue, since it was first presented, shown here left and right.

The Blue Ribbon Group were one of the companies coerced into supporting and helping the Association by Founders, Val Francis and Janet MacDonald and it was they who persuaded the Group to manufacture off-the-peg lightweight habits to mail order. 

A representative of the Blue Ribbon Group was always in attendance to present their sculpture until 1983, when sadly they ceased trading.  However, their enthusiasm was such that they generously donated the Sculpture to the Association and in 1985, Council made the decision to entitle it “The Age of Elegance Bronze”, which is surely more befitting.

We all know the achievements required to claim “Rider of the Year Title” have changed over the years but that is progress as the Association has grown.

How lucky the Association is to have been given “The Age of Elegance”; all those who have won it treasure having done so; those who have not still wish they had or are aiming to do so.  To me….”The Age of Elegance” says it all……. It is a wonderful sculpture, we are privileged to be able to aim for it whether riders, parents or trainers…….. it is the Association’s ultimate award.