2024 Honorary Life Member Award

Life membership is an honour bestowed on individual members whose exceptional, loyal and outstanding service and contribution has a provided measurable benefit to the Association over an extended period of time. Honorary Life Membership is recognised by Equestrian South Australia as the highest recognition that can be awarded onto a member in acknowledgement of exceptional service and contribution; it should retain its prestige and not be awarded easily.

The recipient of this award for 2024 was Pat Hutchens.

Pat’s involvement with horses has been a lifelong passion. Her interest in Dressage started with lessons and competitions in the Adelaide parklands with the Dressage Club of SA in the early 1960’s. She has spent 60 years involved competing, teaching and judging until retiring in 2023.

When not competing, Pat was judging or instructing. She was in demand for clinics throughout the state for Riding Clubs, Pony Clubs and did many schools in regional areas. This also extended into Alice Springs, Darwin and Western Australia. She also instructed at ESA Junior Development Clinics. She was a NCAS General Instructor and a SSTA (Skills Specific Training Assessor for NCAS candidates). She was also on the ESA Dressage Committee.

Pat judged extensively throughout Australia as a Dressage and Eventing Dressage judge. Pat was a National B level Dressage judge for a number of years. She was also a National Show Horse judge at HOTY and Royal Shows. She also judged breed classes at this level.

While competing, her wins included City of Adelaide Championships and Royal Show Dressage before these competitions became State and National Championships. She also competed the same horses at Royal Show level in Novelties, Rider and Hack classes.

Many riders started their journeys under Pat’s guidance. She influenced many riders who have gone on to be successful in various disciplines. She instilled good foundations that are essential for horses and riders to achieve higher levels of training.

Thank you Wendy Hunt for summarising Pat’s contribution to Equestrian in SA & congratulations Pat!