Horses Inside Out celebrates those who have supported 20 years of increased understanding in biomechanics and welfare

Horses Inside Out is proud to celebrate companies and individuals who have positively contributed to the company’s success over the last 20 years by supporting the advancements in education and understanding of biomechanics and equine welfare.

At the 20^th Anniversary Gala Dinner, four special awards were presented by Gillian Higgins, founder of Horses Inside Out, and Simon Grieve, five-star event rider and host of the evening.

The first award was presented to Dr Kirsty Lesniak for her enduring support, one example of this is the fact that she has organised a Horses Inside Out lecture demonstration each year since 2008! In addition, Kirsty has been a huge supporter of Horses Inside Out conferences, the scientific poster competition, and since 2010 has been involved with the company’s annual dissection. Her expertise has further supported the equine world with her specialism in hoof-related anatomy providing valuable insight for so many.

Dr Sue Dyson received the second special award. She has been a keen supporter of the company and its ambitions since 2013 when she first spoke at a Horses Inside Out conference. Sue was also celebrated for her Ridden Horse Performance Checklist that is helping to improve welfare of horses all over the world.

The third award was received by Dave and Maggie Kempsell from WOW Saddles. This company has attended every Horses Inside Out conference, but more than this, has presented lectures at the conferences as well as courses and events. WOW Saddles works hard to promote the importance of equine anatomy and biomechanics in relation to saddle fit, to further support comfort for horses.

And last not least, Gillian’s parents, David and Shirley, received a special recognition award. Both have been involved in the Horses Inside Out journey from the start, from behind the scenes roles such as running the bookshop, organising events, and building skeletons, to welcoming delegates to conferences, problem solving, and supporting Gillian and the Horses Inside Out team.

“It really does ‘take a village’ to grow and build anything meaningful,” said Gillian. “I am so grateful to everyone who’s been part of the Horses Inside Out journey to date. Whether you have attended conferences and events or helped promote our work, or carried forward principles to support equine wellbeing and welfare, you’re very special to us at Horses Inside Out. It was lovely to celebrate six people who have been particularly prominent over the last 20 years. Here’s to the next 20!”