Show judge and breeder Jennifer Williams passes away

Showing judge and breeder Jennifer Williams, Vice President of the Royal International Horse Show, has passed away at the age of 90.

She was a prolific breeder of top-class ponies and hacks, with her Pendley Stud producing many champions at both the RIHS and HOYS. She was also a knowledgeable and well-respected judge and Showing Committee member, and wrote a number of books about showing.

Jennifer was the wife of the renowned commentator Dorian Williams, who was known as the voice of showjumping in Britain throughout the 1950s to 1980s. Dorian died in 1985, and since then Jennifer has presented two trophies annually at Hickstead to commemorate him. The Dorian Williams Trophy is given at the Agria Royal International Horse Show in recognition of the person or team of people who has done the most towards the successful running of the show; while the Dorian Williams Salver is given to the breeder of the winner of the Barberstown Castle Supreme Ridden Horse Champion, as well as a £500 prize kindly donated by Jennifer.

“Both Jennifer and Dorian made an enormous contribution to equestrian sport during their careers and were involved with the Royal International Horse Show since the 1950s,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn. “We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Williams family for their very sad loss.”