The British Equestrian Media Association (BEMA) was founded in 1973 as the British Equestrian Writers’ Association, with the principal aim of gathering together specialist equestrian writers – photographers also joined later – so that the association could collectively try to improve working conditions at horse shows and events in Britain.
BEMA also aims to promote equestrian sport, to which end, among others, it holds an annual awards lunch towards the year’s end.
Originally there was just one award, for the outstanding rider of the year, but this has since been expanded and there are additional awards for riders aged 18 or under, and 25 or under, plus one for a person who has made an outstanding contribution to equestrian sport. There is also now an award for the leading horse. The awards are decided by votes from members of BEMA.
A handbook is published each year listing members of BEMA and useful contacts.
BEWA website: https://bema.org.uk/