He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2013 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Equestrianism. He is an equestrian.
Coach to Olympic Gold Medalist, multiple world record holder, Charlotte Dujardin on Grand Prix dressage horse Valegro, affectionately known around the barn as Blueberry. Carl Hester is also part owner of Valegro.