Makayla Lowther was awarded the best achievement by rider 13 to 17 years and Shelley McCrae was equal winner of coach of the year. Michael Bottrell was also a finalist for volunteer of the year.

McCrae, 48, who has coached since she was 18, said the win was unexpected but a just reward for her years of dedication.

"People ask me why I coach and the reason is to make a difference to someone not only as a coach for horse riding but a mentor to upcoming coaches," she said.

"Basically I want to make a difference and see them with a smile at the end of the day after they know they can do something."

McCrae, who works as a care coordinator at Lyndoch, said didn't believe she was a chance of winning.

"It was an honour and a shock to be named in the final four as there was some exceptional coaches in that line up," she said.

"I was shocked again at the end of it that I had been named coach of the year."

Lowther, 16, said she would remain humble after receiving the honour.

"I'm not going to think I'm some big superstar I am going to take it as a privilege, as it certainly is a good recognition, but I don't think I will change much," she said.

"I won't be second guessing myself though. I will be more confident in helping others and with our buddy system I will be more willing to help my buddy Milan."

The Warrnambool College student said her emotions were running wild moments before she was announced as a winner.

"I was shaking when they called us up and we were all standing there waiting to be announced and I was still shaking about what was going to happen," she said.

"They called out the two girls before me and then they got to the last award and I thought 'my name hasn't been called and that can only mean one thing' and then they called it out and I was just shocked."

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