It follows the result of his research into Cleveland Bay horses through computer-based breed analysis and his creation of breeding programmes for reduction of in-breeding and genetic retention for the Cleveland Bay Horse Society.

The award is from the Marsh Christian Trust which supports innovation and creativity in various areas of work, including this annual award to promote the importance of genetic conservation.

Andy was a member of the Cleveland Bay Horse Society Breed Committee for several years and had been instrumental in the implementation of the Society's successful 'SPARKS' breed management programme which he adapted, putting each horse into a 'Mean Kinship band' which identifies how one animal is related to another and thereby helping to maintain the widest possible genetic base.

He said: "It was a great privilege to be presented with this award and I am delighted that the work put into the SPARKS scheme for the maximizing of genetic diversity in the Cleveland Bay horse has been recognised by both the CBHS and the RBST.

"However, the work does not stop here as the results of the first four years of SPARKS are showing a significant reduction in the level of in-breeding within the breed.

"In fact, with the co-operation of Cleveland Bay breeders around the world, we have been able to turn back the clock 10 years with the year-on-year reduction in average in-breeding now bringing the levels back down to where they were in 1998."

Andy is currently completing a part-time MPhil/PhD in Equine Conservation Biology at Lincoln University, looking at the population genetics of the Cleveland Bay breed and specifically at the effect of the breed management programme.

Last year's winner of the Kuster British Equestrian Federation Groom of the Year award, Jenny Ellis, has been awarded the title of 'International Groom' for 2008 by the FEI (Federation Equestrian International).

Jenny, a travelling groom from Derbyshire, was selected by the Athletes Committee, which is chaired by Paralympian Lee Pearson, to be the award's first ever winner.

She was put forward for the title by international riders John Whitaker, Richard Davison and Simon Laurens, via their nominations for her for the 2007 Kuster BEF Groom award.

NEXT year's British Open Show Jumping Championships will have a new arena, the Parelli Zone.

A number of activities have been planned including seminars and demonstrations on natural horsemanship and the Parelli training methods.

"We want to make it fun for everyone visiting the show to come and learn something new about natural horsemanship," explained Sue Shoemark of Parelli.

"The plans include demonstrations by our Savvy Team, talks, simulations, mini course experiences and an insight into Parelli for younger riders and pony owners as well."

The British Open Show Jumping Championships take place in Birmingham – from April 16 to 19.

Visit www.britishopenshow jumping.com for full details.

Riders from Low Fold Riding School at Lepton and from Bishop Burton College competed in the BHS Dressage Challenge Final which was held at the college.

The competition, which started last year, is for riders from BHS-approved riding schools and is to encourage non-horse owners to have their own qualifiers and final.

Margot Tiffany, chair of the BHS North East committee, whose idea it was, said she was very pleased with the enthusiasm of the participants and hopes more riding schools will be able to take part next year.