If ever the history of equestrianism is traced back to its origin, one common thread will be found that kept the sport alive. It’s the sacred bond between the equestrian and their horse. However, it’s not just the equestrians who are solely responsible for keeping this bond intact. This is where the oft-underrated work of volunteers like Elli Griffiths comes into the limelight. Griffiths has been a volunteer with the British Horse Society and a Coronation Champion Award winner for her welfare work. After dedicating many years to this service, she recently explained the importance of building a deep connection between the rider and their ride.

Ellie Griffiths served as the Regional Welfare Adviser for Wales ever since she joined the British Horse Society in 2009. In the past 14 years, she has attended numerous workshops, and welfare concerns, and helped uncountable horse carers by providing the necessary advice. She believes it’s important for the sport to survive in the future.

Why volunteers are every bit important for equestrianism

A Facebook post by the British Horse Society went, “Regional Welfare Advisor and Coronation Champion Award winner, Ellie Griffiths, is joining us in celebrating that indescribable relationship with horses”. To celebrate such an occasion, BHS has dwelled upon the importance of volunteers in equal measures with equestrians. And Griffiths is their prime recipient for such an occasion.

The Facebook post also cited a quote by Griffiths, which she told the British Horse Society. It went, “My bond with horses has now become a compassion that has inspired a need to help and advise where possible”. This way, Griffiths realized that her bond isn’t just limited to one horse, but has instead shifted to multiple horses via their trainers.

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Griffiths strongly believes that this bond is the essential core upon which the entire foundation of equestrianism and its disciplines such as dressage, and showjumping depend. About her love of horses, Ellie Griffiths told BHS, “Horses are big, broad, and beautiful. They have their own smell, their own color… but each one has their presence”.

Ellie Griffiths’s love for horses and her message for every equestrian

Griffiths stated that it was her love for these equine species that got her through 14 wonderful years at her job. It is what pushed her to meet thousands of carers and impart her knowledge and experience to them. The way she described each physical feature of a horse, beautifully and with intricate details, is evident enough how much she is in love with these animals. The bond with one’s own horse also goes a long way in learning important life lessons. Bruce Springsteen’s daughter Jesse Rae Springsteen similarly learned about responsibility from her horse.

Local communities and the whole British Horse Society believe that Griffiths was the perfect fit for the Coronation Champion Award, which recognize volunteers. Even at an elderly age, with everything she has achieved in her life, Griffiths has a message for every rider. She said, “Think positive. Enjoy your horse. The world is a lovely place” as if there couldn’t have been a better way for her to part with this.

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