British Horse Society volunteer awarded MBE

The British Horse Society has confirmed that Ann Fraser, its current chairman of equestrian access in Scotland, has been awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the horse and the Scottish Borders.

Ann has been active within the Society for more than 30 years, during which she has furthered the cause of equestrian access both as a volunteer and a member of staff.

Her equestrian achievements include creating the Borders Festival of the Horse (now in its 14th year), assisting the progress of Part 1 of the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 Act through the Scottish Parliament, making sure horse riders received the same rights as walkers, cyclists and the disabled, and more recently introducing the new equestrian sport of tilting to Scotland.

Ann was the driving force behind South of Scotland Countryside Trails where the BHS drew down £750,000 of European funding to develop a 350km multi-use tracks network across southern Scotland.

Helene Mauchlen, BHS Director of Scotland, said: “We are delighted. Ann’s dedication to the horse as an economic driver in the Borders and her lifelong fight for safe off-road access for equines, makes her a worthy recipient of the honour. She continues to work tirelessly and is highly respected in the world of access where she is a worthy opponent and great ambassador for the equestrian industry."