Pembrokeshire College equine lecturer, Mike Butcher, was amongst those recognised at the British Horse Society annual awards ceremony held in Saddlers’ Hall, London, on Friday, November 24.

Having taught for over 21 years, Mike was awarded the Helen Barton-Smith Silver Stirrup Award for meritorious work in support of young riders.

A BHS accredited professional coach, a British showjumping level 3 UKCC coach and the lead coach for Area 36, Mike is well respected in his field and in 2016 was awarded the UK FE Lecturer of the Year Award and featured in the BBC documentary ‘Britain’s Classroom Heroes’.

BHS president, Martin Clunes presented the awards and commented: “It’s always nice to meet the people who do so much for the British Horse Society; one of the best things about being the president is being able to meet these remarkable people that dedicate so much of their time.”

Mike’s sympathetic and unique coaching skills create an exceptional connection with youngsters both able bodied and those who have disabilities. With Mike’s support young people across Pembrokeshire have achieved industry recognised qualifications that many of the learners and their families would have believed to be beyond their grasp. Throughout his teaching career, Mike’s commitment to both his learners and his profession has been unparalleled.

Following the awards ceremony, Michael added: “It is a great honour to have been selected to receive this award. I am incredibly fortunate to be able to do a job that I love on a daily basis whilst at the same time enhancing people’s lives.

“I have coached both disabled and able bodied riders for over 25 years and I always commit myself 100 per cent as if each rider may be our next Paralympic or Olympian, representing Team GB in future Olympic games.”