Tag Archives: In Memoriam

Community/Charity

In Memoriam: Martien van den Heuvel (NED)

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Martien van den Heuvel, former President of the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) and former member of the FEI Finance and Nominations Committees, who has died at the age of 73.

Lausanne (SUI), 4 January 2014 – Martien van den Heuvel, former President of the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS), passed away on 2 January 2014. He was 73.

A former member of the FEI Finance and Nominations Committees, Martien van den Heuvel was awarded the Golden Pin and also made an honorary member of the KNHS in recognition of his many services to equestrian sports in the Netherlands.

As a farmer’s son, he had a natural passion for horses, but his career took him in a different direction. Blessed with a sharply analytical mind and excellent financial insight, he became a successful businessman and managing director of the international company Bosch Rexroth, manufacturer of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and mechanical drive systems, then known as the Hydraudyne Group.

He first came to public attention in the equestrian world in 1984, when he became treasurer of the international horse show Indoor Brabant. He was appointed President of the show in 1997, and under his leadership Indoor Brabant developed into one of the world’s premier equestrian events.

In January 2002, he was elected President of the Board of the KNHS and made the decision to resign as President of Indoor Brabant so that he could focus on developing the KNHS, which was formed at that time as the result of a merger of 16 very different equestrian organisations, of varying sizes and each with its own history and culture. He led the new organisation with great vision and drive, tackling head on the enormous task of making the KNHS a successful and financially healthy sports federation.

With typical energy and enthusiasm, Martien van den Heuvel worked tirelessly to turn the KNHS into the organisation he envisaged. By the time he retired as President in January 2011 at the end of his maximum term of office, the KNHS had grown into one of the leading sports federations in the Netherlands as a tight-knit, financially sound establishment, well-regulated and highly successful in delivering world-class performances. Under his chairmanship, a start was also made on restructuring the KNHS, including the successful cooperation with the Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN), which has recently been completed. The result of this restructuring, the national equestrian centre in Ermelo, is now nearing completion.

His passion for equestrian sports also manifested itself in other ways. He was present at many international championships, and was highly involved in the careers of the top Dutch riders. But he did not leave it at that. From his home in Den Dungen (near ’s-Hertogenbosch), he frequently travelled the length and breadth of the country to present prizes to champions – from harness horses in the north to jumping and dressage ponies in the south.

At his farewell reception, he received a ‘Liber Amicorum’, in which 60 people closely involved in equestrian sports reminisced about the many facets of his incredible engagement with the sport. The book was aptly entitled Met hart en ziel (‘With heart and soul’).

During his chairmanship, Martien van den Heuvel often demonstrated unswerving determination and perseverance. He was a keen advocate of reforms within the FEI, as well as within the NOC*NSF, the Dutch National Olympic Committee, and he actively contributed to these reforms. He was firmly convinced that the equestrian sector in the Netherlands needed a unified voice in the Sectorraad Paarden (Joint Equine Sectoral Committee). He not only expressed his opinion, but also set to work himself to further the interests of both equestrian sports and the equine industry.

His name will always be inextricably linked to the development of the KNHS into an equestrian sports federation that is respected both nationally and internationally, and he made an invaluable contribution to the development and professionalisation of Indoor Brabant and the Sectorraad Paarden.

“I was so shocked to hear of Martien van den Heuvel’s passing. He was a really wonderful man and a true visionary, who always had the best interests of the equestrian world, in all its guises, at heart,” FEI President HRH Princess Haya said.

“He understood the importance of correct governance in sport at all levels, and was unstinting with his time and expertise. He played a vital role in developing the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation into the strong and successful organisation it is today, and amongst his many other roles, was also an invaluable member of the FEI’s Finance and Nominations Committees. With his passing, the equestrian world has lost a loyal and true friend. He will be much missed.”

The FEI extends its sincere condolences to Martien van den Heuvel’s wife and family, to the KNHS and to all his many friends in the equestrian world. May he rest in peace.

Martien van den Heuvel’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, 7 January 2014, at 11.00 in the Sint-Jacobus de Meerdere Church, H. Hartplein 1, 5275 BM Den Dungen, The Netherlands. Flowers may be delivered to the funeral parlour at Koenen-Oel Uitvaartverzorging, Het Schild 15, 5275 EB Den Dungen, where there will be an opportunity to pay final respects on Monday 6 January, between 19.00 and 20.00.

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Community/Charity, Eventing/H.T.

In Memoriam: Jim Dunn OAM (AUS), 1946-2013

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Jim Dunn OAM (Photo: Equestrian Australia)

Lausanne (SUI), 2 December 2013 – James (Jim) Lavington Dunn, former Chairman of Equestrian Australia’s Eventing selectors, has passed away after a long illness. He was 67.

Jim Dunn acted as Chef d’Equipe to the Australian Eventing team and his proudest moment was leading in his team to collect gold on home ground at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, an historic third successive Olympic team gold for Australia’s eventers.

In 2004, Jim Dunn was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to equestrian sports in Australia and at Olympic level as a coach, manager, administrator and judge. In the same year, he was also inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

He was Chairman of Selectors for more than 20 years and during that time formed a close bond with national coach Wayne Roycroft and Australian team veterinarian Denis Goulding.

“The three of us (Jim, Wayne and I) went everywhere together,” Denis Goulding said. “Everywhere we travelled people would hover towards Jim. He was such an iconic figure who was loved by everybody. Equestrian was his life. It meant everything to him.”

Wayne Roycroft also has fond memories of his close friend: “I’ll always remember him leading the team into the presentation at the Sydney Olympics. Of all our campaigns this was probably the hardest because expectations were so high, but under Jim’s guidance we were able to win the gold. He was a really honest, good Australian person and a good friend.”

A native of South Australia, Jim Dunn was an FEI 3* Jumping Judge and FEI 4* Eventing Judge and had officiated in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Great Britain, Indonesia and Malaysia. He was Chairman of the National Eventing Committee from 1981 to 2009, President of the South Australian Branch from 1988 to 1994, and a member of the South Australian state branch committee, sitting on its board from 1976 to 1997.

He stood down as Chairman of Selectors in June 2012 due to ill health, but remained on the selection panel under the Chairmanship of Georgia Clifford.

“Jim Dunn was so well known in the Eventing world, both at a national level in Australia and on the international scene,” Director of the FEI Eventing & Olympic Department Catrin Norinder said. “He had an incredible knowledge of the sport and was a highly respected judge. His passing leaves an enormous gap in the Australian Eventing world. He will be much missed.”

His funeral will be held on Monday 9 December at 13.00 at the Heysen Chapel, Centennial Park, 760 Goodwood Rd, Pasadena SA.

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Jim Dunn’s family and close circle of friends, to Equestrian Australia and the wider Eventing community.

FEI Media Contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Community/Charity, Driving, Para-Equestrian

In Memoriam: Jan Ranzijn (NED), 1945-2013

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Jan Ranzijn (NED), who has died at the age of 68, took team gold and individual bronze at the 2012 FEI Para-Equestrian Driving World Championships on home ground in Breda. (Rinaldo de Craen/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 21 November 2013 – Jan Ranzijn (NED), a former Para-Equestrian Driving World Champion, has died following an accident during his work as a crane operator. He was 68 years old.

From Warmenhuizen in the province of North Holland, Jan Ranzijn was a regular and hugely respected member of the Dutch Para-Equestrian Driving team.

He was crowned World Champion in the Grade I horse pairs on home ground at Hellendoorn (NED) in 2006. Other highlights during his competitive career were team gold at the 2012 FEI Para-Equestrian Driving World Championships in Breda (NED), where he also claimed individual bronze behind his compatriot Jacques Poppen, and team silver at the 2010 World Championships, also in Breda.

He drove as a singles competitor in 2008 and 2010, and also competed in able-bodied Driving competitions in The Netherlands with a horse team.

After his double medal success in Breda last year, he spoke of his love of the sport and of his pride in the home-bred eight-year-old Friesian gelding Nico van de Haffriehoeve: “Being 67 years old, I realise how fortunate I am that I can experience this. I enjoyed the competition very much and I enjoy driving every day. Nico is getting stronger, so I hope to be part of this wonderful team again in two years.”

He had already started his preparations for next year’s World Para-Equestrian Driving Championships in Sandringham (GBR).

“Jan Ranzijn was a highly respected athlete, competing both in Para-Equestrian Driving and in able-bodied Driving events,” Bettina De Rham, FEI Director Driving, Vaulting and Reining said. “It is tragic to lose him in such a way. He was a true team player, and his enthusiasm and commitment will be sorely missed in the Driving world.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Jan Ranzijn’s family and close circle of friends, to the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation and to all his friends in the Para-Equestrian Driving and Driving communities.

Media contact:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

In Memoriam: General Raimondo d’Inzeo (ITA), 1925-2013

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Raimondo d’Inzeo (ITA), who has passed away at the age of 88, is pictured here riding Posillipo on his way to individual Olympic gold in Rome 1960.

Lausanne (SUI), 18 November 2013 – General Raimondo d’Inzeo, eight-time Olympian and individual gold medallist at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, has passed away at home in Italy at the age of 88.

Born on 2 February 1925 in Poggio Mirteto, north of Rome, Raimondo d’Inzeo was the son of renowned equestrian Carlo Costante d’Inzeo, chief instructor in Piemonte Reale, the Royal Piedmontese Dragoons, the smartest regiment in the Italian cavalry, and later dean of the equestrian faculty of the Italian sports university La Farnesina in Rome. Raimondo was the younger brother of Piero d’Inzeo, himself a seven-time Olympian and winner of six Olympic medals.

Raimondo d’Inzeo took up riding at the age of 10 and became so scared when he was first on horseback that his father told him to leave the arena. “But then at home every evening Piero and Papà were always chatting about horses and riding that I felt excluded,” he recalled in an interview, “so I decided it was worth giving horses a second chance – and fortunately I did!”

In 1950, Raimondo d’Inzeo joined the Arma dei Carabinieri, the Italian military police. He bore the title of General at the moment of his death.

One of the legends of equestrian sport, he made his Olympic debut at the London 1948 Olympic Games in Eventing. He went on to win six Olympic Jumping medals, probably most memorably on home ground in Rome 1960 when he took gold ahead of his brother Piero who won silver. He was honoured to be asked to carry the Italian flag at the opening ceremony for the 1972 Olympic Games in Montreal.

He was also a multiple world championship medallist, including individual gold in both 1956 and 1960 and individual silver in 1955, and won many of the world’s most prestigious Grands Prix, including Rome four times (twice on Merano), Dublin twice on the great Irish-bred Bellevue, as well as Aachen and Amsterdam. His other top horses were his Olympic gold medal ride Posillipo, Gowran Girl and Fiorello II.

Raimondo d’Inzeo was a founding member and former President of the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC), which was created in June 1977.

Earlier this year, Raimondo d’Inzeo was among the recipients of a special award marking the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Olympic Academy (AONI).

Following the death of the Italian sporting icon, the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malago declared a minute’s silence at all weekend sporting events in the country. D’Inzeo’s body lay in state at the CONI headquarters prior to today’s funeral at the 4th Mounted Carabinieri Regiment in Rome’s Viale Tor di Quinto. The funeral was attended by hundreds of people including representatives of the Italian authorities, media, friends and his 90-year old brother Piero.

“Raimondo d’Inzeo was a true icon, and one of the most successful horsemen of all time,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said. “He was a special kind of rider who could win every type of class, from Grands Prix to Puissance to speed classes, and he had incredible success with so many different horses. He was a true horseman and he will be very sadly missed.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Raimondo d’Inzeo’s wife Giuliana, his brother Piero and the wider d’Inzeo family, to his extensive circle of friends and the global Jumping community.

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

In Memoriam: Francis Michielsen (BEL), 1941-2013

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Francis Michielsen (BEL), a former member of the FEI Jumping Committee and one of the most respected Jumping judges on the international circuit, has passed away at the age of 72.

Lausanne (SUI), 25 October 2013 – Francis Michielsen, a former member of the FEI Jumping Committee and one of the most respected international Jumping judges, passed away peacefully in hospital on 24 October after suffering a brain haemorrhage. He was 72.

Born on 7 August 1941, Francis Michielsen started judging at national level in Belgium in 1967 and became an FEI International Candidate Judge in 1984. By 1992 he had moved up through the ranks to become an FEI Level 4 judge, the highest rank in the FEI system.

He was a member of the Ground Jury at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and adjudicated at numerous FEI Championships worldwide, including as President of the Ground Jury at both the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games in Rome (ITA) and the 2005 European Jumping Championships at San Patrignano (ITA).

Mr Michielsen was a member of the FEI Jumping Committee from 1994 to 1998, and was also a founding member and first President of the International Show Jumping Officials Club (ISJC) until he stepped down in 2009.

Mr Michielsen was an FEI Course Director for FEI Judges, passing on his incredible depth of knowledge to his fellow Jumping officials and to a new and younger generation, both at national and international level. He played a key role in the introduction of the “modern” education system for FEI Jumping Judges in 1993.

A former President of the Belgian National Federation, holding office immediately before current President Jacky Buchmann, he was also on the board of the Belgian Show Jumping Committee for many years and President of the Show Jumping Committee of the Flemish Equestrian Federation (Vlaamse Liga Paardensport).

FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos expressed his sadness at the loss of such a close friend: “This is very sad news. Francis was a personal friend of mine for many years and taught me a lot about equestrian sport. We worked closely together in the Belgian National Federation and at many international shows. As a member of the FEI Jumping Committee he contributed enormously to the establishment of the Jumping Rules. As an international judge he was very well respected and known for his knowledge of the rules and their application, but also for his integrity and fairness. I will miss him.”

John Roche, FEI Director Jumping, also paid his respects. “Francis Michielsen was a complete gentleman and one of the FEI’s most respected officials. He was totally dedicated to the sport and contributed tremendously to the education of other officials in his capacity as an FEI course director. The equestrian world has lost one of its greatest officials and friends. He will be greatly missed.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to his wife Carine Van Gompel, to Francis Michielsen’s wider family and extensive circle of friends, to the Belgian Equestrian Federation and the global Jumping community.

If you wish to express your sympathy, please contact the Belgian Equestrian Federation info@equibel.be. All the messages will be passed on to Mr Michielsen’s family.

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

In Memoriam: Dick Nijhof 1946-2013

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Dick Nijhof, FEI International Jumping Judge, announcer, equestrian commentator and board member of KNF (Royal Dutch Federation for Rural Riders) which eventually led to the creation of the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS), passed away on 21 August. (Photo: Jacob Melissen/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 24 September 2013 – Dick Nijhof, FEI International Jumping Judge, announcer, equestrian commentator and board member of KNF (Royal Dutch Federation for Rural Riders) which eventually led to the creation of the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS), passed away in Enschede in eastern Netherlands on 21 August after a long illness.

His trademark voice as announcer has been well-known to spectators at equestrian events around the world since the 1990s. His finest hour was as announcer during the 1994 FEI World Cup Jumping Final at the Indoor Brabant in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED), when on home soil his compatriot and now six-time Olympian Jos Lansink took the series crown. More recently, television viewers knew his voice on sports network Eurosport, where he provided equestrian commentary for the weekly Wednesday Selection roundup.

Dick Nijhof began his career as an FEI Jumping Judge in 1994. Just two years later, he was appointed FEI International Level 3 Jumping Judge and went on to carry out Ground Jury President, and Member and Foreign Judge roles at wide-ranging events around the world.

“The KNHS is extremely grateful to Dick Nijhof for his proactivity and forward-thinking approach to developing equestrian sport. He was highly committed and enthusiastic, and his loss will be felt on many levels within the equestrian community,” said Theo Ploegmakers, chairman of the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation.

“Dick Nijhof performed his role as FEI International Level 3 Jumping Judge impeccably thanks to his solid and steadfast approach, and his deep knowledge of the sport,” said John Roche, FEI Director of Jumping and Stewarding.

“His devotion to equestrianism over many years was renowned and his voice was also very familiar to thousands of fans at equestrian events around the world when he worked as an announcer, and later on television – he will be missed by many different people within the community.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Dick Nijhof’s family and friends, the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation and the global equestrian community.

FEI Media contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

In Memoriam: Peter Herchel, 1945-2013

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Peter Herchel, FEI International Jumping Judge, Steward and Course Director for FEI Jumping Judges passed away on 11 September. (Photo: Slovak Equestrian Federation)

Lausanne (SUI), 20 September 2013 – Peter Herchel, FEI International Jumping Judge, Steward and Course Director for FEI Jumping Judges, passed away on 11 September following a battle with cancer.

He was born on 29 August 1945 in Veľký Biel, in the Senec District of western Slovakia, close to Bratislava. As a youngster, he dedicated his time to athletics and downhill skiing, and it was while studying engineering at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra that he became interested in equestrian sports. After graduating, he began co-organising what has now become the biggest horse show in Slovakia – the Grand Prix CSIO Bratislava.

In 1985, he became an FEI Jumping judge. He went on to become an FEI Level 4 International Jumping Judge, and was appointed as Ground Jury President at numerous FEI Championships. One of his own career highlights was carrying out the role of Ground Jury member at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Peter was fluent in Dutch, English, German, Hungarian and Russian, which was invaluable in his work as an FEI Level 3 Steward. Due to his long and varied experience of judging, he was also appointed FEI Course Director for Jumping Judges.

”Peter Herchel will be greatly missed – he contributed tremendously to our sport. We are forever grateful to him for his devotion and his close co-operation with us during the last 28 years,” said John Roche, FEI Director of Jumping and Stewarding.

“His friendly approach in dealing with everyone on the Jumping circuit, and especially during large-scale international equestrian events, is well-known and was fully appreciated by those who had the pleasure of working with him.

“Equally, his dedication to judging and stewarding, and to passing on his skills and wealth of experience to future generations of judges was highly respected.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Peter Herchel, his family and friends, to the Slovak Equestrian Federation and the global Jumping community.

FEI Media contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Community/Charity

In Memoriam: Frank O’Reilly (IRL), 1922-2013

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Frank O’Reilly of Ireland (left), who has died aged 90, is pictured here at the 1988 Dublin Horse Show with the then-President of Ireland, Patrick J. Hillery, and British Chef d’Equipe Ronnie Massarella holding the Aga Khan trophy. ©RDS.

Lausanne (SUI), 24 August 2013 – FEI Honorary Delegate and former Royal Dublin Society President Frank O’Reilly (IRL) passed away earlier this month at his home in Rathmore, Co Kildare, Ireland at the age of 90.

Born in Dublin in November 1922, Francis Joseph Charles “Frank” O’Reilly was the only son of a medical doctor. He was educated at St Gerard’s School in Bray, Co Wicklow, Ampleforth College in North Yorkshire and later read engineering at Trinity College Dublin. After World War II, in which he participated as a cadet in the Royal Engineers, he took over the family whiskey distillery. The business developed and in time O’Reilly became chairman of Irish Distillers. In 1982 Frank O’Reilly was appointed as chairman of the Ulster Bank and director of its British parent, the NatWest. He is credited with both reviving Ireland’s whiskey industry and modernising the country’s banking.

In 1941 Frank O’Reilly joined the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), the historic show grounds in the centre of Dublin city where the prestigious Dublin Horse Show is staged annually. In the 1980s, first as chairman of the Executive Committee (1981-87), and then as President (1986-89), he steered the RDS through a difficult patch which threatened its survival. O’Reilly was instrumental in bringing the 10th FEI World Jumping Championships to Dublin in 1982, the first to include a compulsory horse inspection before the start of the event. It was also thanks to him that anti-doping controls were established at the Dublin Horse Show.

In 1978 Frank O’Reilly became FEI Honorary Delegate after having attended 15 FEI General Assemblies.

Frank O’Reilly, who was chancellor of Trinity College Dublin from 1985 to 1998, is survived by his wife Teresa and their 10 children.

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to the O’Reilly family, to the Irish equestrian community and to the many people who knew and respected Frank O’Reilly.

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Community/Charity, Eventing/H.T.

In Memoriam: Carl-Heinz “Charly” Boess, 1954-2013

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Carl-Heinz “Charly” Boess, who since 1999 has worked as an FEI International Eventing Judge, will be sorely missed on the Eventing circuit. (Photo: German Equestrian Federation).

Lausanne (SUI), 9 August 2013 – Carl-Heinz “Charly” Boess, FEI International Eventing Judge, FEI Technical Delegate and Jumping course designer, died suddenly on 5 August aged 58.

Born on 14 October 1954, in Lauf an der Pegnitz near Nuremberg (GER), he started his Eventing career early. During 1976 and 1977, he completed his military service at the Armed Forces’ Sports School in Warendorf, where the German Equestrian Federation is also headquartered.

He then took up business administration studies, completing the professional rider apprenticeship, the Pferdewirt Schwerpunkt Reiten, at the end of which he won the prestigious Stensbeck Award.

Boess went on to run his own yard in Fürth-Oberfürberg (GER). Having focused on Eventing, he then competed on the Jumping circuit until the mid-1990s.

In 1999, he judged his first international Eventing competition in Brunnthal, in the district of Munich (GER), and has since worked as an FEI International Judge, FEI Technical Delegate and Steward at numerous international events.

“Charly Boess was one of the most active German officials in Eventing. In particular, he rendered outstanding services as a development aid worker at many East European and South American events. We will miss him dearly,” said Friedrich Otto-Erley, deputy manager of the German Olympic Committee for Equestrian Sports (DOKR).

Catrin Norinder, FEI Director of Eventing & Olympic, said: “Charly Boess carried out amazing work for the FEI, both as a Judge and Technical Delegate. He was also known for supporting the values of Eventing and helped to develop the sport in Europe and South America. He will be sadly missed on the Eventing circuit and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Charly Boess, his family and extensive circle of friends, to the German Equestrian Federation and to the international Eventing community.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, 14 August at 11.00 at the Erlangen Central Cemetery, Michael-Vogel-Strasse 4, D 91052 Erlangen, Germany.

FEI Media contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Community/Charity, Para-Equestrian

In Memoriam: Joanne Pitt 1979-2013

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Joanne Pitt, individual bronze and team gold medallist at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, is pictured (second right) with her teammates in Kentucky (left to right): Ricky Balshaw, Sophie Christiansen, Emma Sheardown, Sophie Wells MBE, Lee Pearson CBE and Anne Dunham MBE (seated). (Photo: Kit Houghton).

Lausanne (SUI), 10 May 2012 – Joanne Pitt (GBR), 34, Paralympian, individual bronze and team gold medallist at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and member of UK Sport’s World Class Performance programme for almost 10 years, died peacefully last week with her family beside her after being treated for a rare lung condition.

Jo had right-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which affected the feeling and mobility down her right side, but she never let that stand in her way. After attending a summer holiday camp when she was six years old, she became hooked on horses and never looked back.

At the age of 25, she represented Great Britain at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games with Rockhill Kashmir, and six years later with her gelding Estralita she took bronze in the Grade II Freestyle and team gold at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

This season, Jo and Estralita had won all but two of their 12 starts, including international team and individual victories at Deauville CPEDI3* in March and the Grade II title at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships.

The FEI expresses its sincere condolences to Joanne Pitt’s fiancé, family and friends, to the British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage, and her many friends in the international equestrian community.

Her funeral will be held at St George’s Church, Hardingham, Norfolk (GBR) at 1.30 pm on Friday, 17 May 2013. The Service details are here.

Read the obituary to Joanne Pitt on the British Equestrian Federation website here.

FEI Media contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33