British Horse Feeds presented Darren Jones with the recognition award for ‘Best Crew Member’ at the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance 2018.
Darren, who is based in Powys, was nominated by his partner Karen Cadman and friend Kat Ingram.
When Darren first met Karen he didn’t know one end of a horse from the other. He proved to have patience, great organisational skills and a sense of direction and six years on he’s an invaluable member of the crewing team.
In July this year, Darren faced one of the toughest rides as he watched Karen, who had suffered a cardiac arrest, receive CPR and be transported to hospital by air ambulance.
Despite this Darren’s support and help has been instrumental in Karen’s recovery and in helping to make her endurance dreams come true. Just two months later, despite his reservations, Karen was back in the saddle contesting the Saddle Exchange Dragon’s Egg (78km) ride at the British Horse Feeds Red Dragon Festival of Endurance.
Said Karen: “Darren received a crash course in crewing when we first met but he has proved to be invaluable. He’s always supportive and appreciates how important my hobby is to me. He has a very quiet and relaxed way around the horses which they all respond to. They are always looking for him!
“Darren is very reliable and his crewing skills were certainly put to the test when I was unwell. I can let him ‘get on with it’ and know he will be at that next crewing point with anything we might need. He is a much valued member of our team.”
Picture Caption: Darren Jones with his award for Best Crew Member – photo by David Saunders Photography
