Marion O'Sullivan MBE was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, at the recent British Equestrian Trade Association Gala dinner. Receiving her award at the glitzy equestrian industry's Oscars, Marion was clearly a popular winner amongst the 400 guests from all sectors of the equestrian trade.

The award was presented by BETA to mark a special and significant contribution to the industry over a long period of time. For over half a century, Marion has held key roles at Grayshott based D J Murphy. At the age of 22, Marion joined the family business selling advertising for PONY Magazine and Horse&Rider Magazine (then called Light Horse), and by the late 1960s Marion was running the business.

The award comes as PONY Magazine now enters its 60th year of publication, and D J Murphy has become established as the UK's No 1 equestrian monthly magazine publisher, producing the top two best-selling titles Horse&Rider and PONY Magazine. In her current role as Commercial Director, Marion is still very much involved in the industry.

Much of Marion's success can be attributed to the loyalty she has fostered amongst her staff and the genuine, long-term relationships she has built within the equestrian industry. Amongst the many nominations BETA received, it was said of Marion that she is 'unfailingly kind and full of ideas with suggestions always readily given with good humour and generosity. Her discreet and friendly approach makes her a joy to deal with.'

Marion's generosity has also led her towards huge fundraising efforts. In the early 1970's Marion fronted a fundraising campaign to create the Diamond centre for disabled riders in Surrey. Opened by the Princess Royal, D J Murphy sponsored the centre's first pony, Cobnut. Marion also persuaded celebrities like Rodger Moore to attend its annual horse show. The Diamond centre has since introduced thousands of disabled children to riding.

In more recent times, Marion has helped promote horse-related charities such as World Horse Welfare, The Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary and HAPPA.

Nominators also emphasised how much Marion has contributed to the growth and success of the UK equestrian trade while expressing admiration for her as 'an unassuming, natural, engaging and honest individual.'

'It's amazing to consider how long Marion has worked in the industry and how many of her customers she has watched and helped grow into the thriving companies they are today.' And it's not just companies who have grown up with the magazines Marion has been involved with, but generations of riders.