One of the most popular couples in British breeding have been recognised for their commitment to the industry. Dugald and Jackie Low-Mitchell of Balcormo Stud in Fife, picked up the award at the British Breeding Breeder’s awards dinner held in London on Saturday January 10th. The couple have been at the forefront of British Warmblood and sport horse breeding for over 20 years and collected their award from sponsor Ronnie Leggat of Merial.

Speaking at the awards, Ronnie Leggat said that the couple had played a significant role in the development of British breeding in the UK. “Their list of achievements is amazing. In the late 1990s, their stallion Secundus became the leading sire of show jumpers in Britain. Prior to this, they set up the first Scottish AI centre, and undertook the first successful embryo transfer in Scotland,” he said.

Today the influence of the Low-Mitchells extends far beyond the Scottish Borders. Their AI business not only allows UK breeders to use Balcormo stallions but also semen from top European sires, or Standardbred Trotters from Australia. They sell foals and youngstock all over the world, and have a flourishing AI business in South Africa, where one of their daughters now lives. They have also supplied drum horses to the queen!

Speaking after the award The Low-Mitchells said: “The future of breeding in this country is going from strength to strength and our wish would be one day to see all self-controlled breed societies under one umbrella with an overall database.

“Thanks to all who supported the Breeder's Dinner. We were totally surprised and overwhelmed to be called forward to receive the Merial Meritoire Award for services to British Breeding, for which we feel so highly honoured. Our thanks must go to our daughters and to members of staff, both past and present, and also those who have successfully competed Balcormo horses, all have contributed so much towards this award.”