THE major contributor to eventing and eternally wise counsel to many died on 23 January after a short illness, aged 83, at his home in Lockerbie, Scotland.
He saw the sport from all aspects and through many changes, as a rider, organiser, official, parent and grandparent – two of his three children, Andrew and the late Miranda, competed, as have his grandsons Thomas and Archie – and was a constant and charming presence, always with a spark of humour.
John competed at the highest level over two decades. In 1961 he was fifth at Badminton on Benjamin Bunny and seventh at Little Badminton on Botany Degree, and in 1983 he was 22nd on Bower Grit. He ran Lockerbie Horse Trials for years and was instrumental in helping to get Thirlestane…
