OBITUARIES
GEORGE “JUD” HARRISON
A STALWART of the showjumping community died on 6 July following ill health, aged 87.
Born in Lancashire, Mr Harrison started in farming including ploughing with horses before spending his national service as a wireless operator.
After marrying Margaret in 1957, Mr and Mrs Harrison relocated to Cornwall in the early 1960s, buying an old vicarage which became the riding school Tall Trees. The school hosted
Riding for the Disabled sessions and, on building two indoor schools, Tall Trees grew into a competition centre hosting showjumping. Mr Harrison developed an interest in coursebuilding, building courses for the centre’s own competitions on Wednesday evenings, and later became a course-builder for
British Showjumping.
On selling Tall Trees in the 1990s, Mr and Mrs Harrison enjoyed travelling around shows, with Mr Harrison working for many years on the national circuit with international course designer and good friend Alan Oliver.
A spokesman for British Showjumping described Mr Harrison as a “diligent worker and a true gentleman”.
Course-designer Steven Williams said he was so sad to hear that a great Cornish course-builder and his longstanding friend had died, and said the couple would always be remembered with a smile.
“He and Margaret were such kind people who always extended a warm welcome both in their caravan at shows and at their home. Jud was a grafter of the old school and always worked hard all of his life,” he said. “He was a stalwart at many shows, notably Bicton and Royal Cornwall, for many years.
“Aside from horses, his garden and vegetable plots were amazing and his pride and joy. For a long time after most people would have retired, he ran a successful market garden all immaculately laid out and cultivated by hand. They don’t make them like him any more.”
Mr Harrison is survived by his daughters Margaret and Georgina, grandchildren Paul and Karina, and great-grandchildren Alfie, Ava, Annabelle and Bethany. His wife Margaret predeceased him.
LYNDSEY KELBIE
THE much-loved showing rider died on 16 June following sudden illness, aged 43.
Born and raised in Arbroath, Scotland, Ms Kelbie developed a passion for horses from a young age. She was bought her first pony, a Shetland mare called Whisky, by her late father Richard.
Mrs Kelbie fell in love with show ponies after a trip to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) aged nine with her mother Rose. She was bought her first show pony, Karita Julian, before moving on to show hunter ponies, enjoying success on the Scottish circuit.
On competing further afield she met the late showing producer Colin Rose, step-father of producer Edward Young. This was the beginning of a long-term friendship and her rides were produced at their Derbyshire yard for more than 30 years.
Ms Kelbie had a successful career winning championships around the country. She enjoyed many placings at HOYS and the Royal International with notable horses including the riding horse Legal Eagle, large hack Lindeth Barn Owl, the small hack Classic Chauvinist and her favourite horse, the small hunter Brown Bob.
Brown Bob retired to the Kelbie’s home in Arbroath and passed away aged 30 last year with Ms Kelbie by his side.
After retiring from showing around four years ago, Ms Kelbie took up hillwalking, and spent time climbing munros around Scotland. Her other passion was spending time with her French bulldog Frank.
Ms Kelbie’s mother said her daughter had a great sense of humour and loved a party.
Mr Young paid tribute to his friend and said it had been a privilege to have known Ms Kelbie, describing her as like a sister to him, who would be greatly missed but never forgotten.
“Lyndsey was kind and funny and loved her animals. Although competitive, she was also gracious in victory and defeat,” he said.
“Lyndsey and Rose had so many fantastic horses and ponies over the years. The family gave a huge amount back to the horse world.”
A celebration of Ms Kelbie’s life will be planned in the future.