‘A real inspiration to so many’: farewell to extremely revered rider and coach

Revered and extremely completed equestrian and devoted British Horse Society (BHS) teacher Jean Norris (née Lawler) has died, aged 76.

Jean was born in Hull, East Yorkshire, and introduced up in Bainton, Driffield, horse-mad from the day she was born. Girl was Jean’s first pony and the pair went to Horse of the 12 months Present (HOYS) at Wembley many instances to compete within the Prince Philip Cup mounted video games workforce.

Jean later competed at HOYS along with her horse Desmond in displaying however competed at Bramham and Chatsworth many instances.

Jean bred her first foal from Girl, which began a ardour, breeding and producing using ponies. Two are nonetheless with the household and all associated to that first pony Jean had. Jean bred greater than 20 foals and educated them herself, displaying them and successful at county reveals.

Jean arrange North Wolds Using Faculty when she was 18; youngsters from all backgrounds would flock to go on rides out, seaside rides and gymkhanas.

Jean was a really decided woman and labored very exhausting. Whereas operating the using faculty, she was coaching for her British Horse Society (BHS) exams. She grew to become the one BHSI teacher in Yorkshire for a very long time, a really excessive accolade. She additionally educated at The Wharfe, Leicestershire, to get her qualification, by which time she met her function mannequin Mrs Sturrock.

Jean arrange the equine division at Dewsbury School close to Bradford, for inner-city college students to study to journey and about horsemanship. She labored at Bishop Burton School as an equine lecturer for 10 years, and for the BHS as a welfare officer.

Jean taught at many Pony Membership branches and using golf equipment, and taught her two daughters to journey. She was an equine lecturer at Askham Bryan School, York, persevering with to show younger and aspiring college students.

“She gave younger folks many alternatives and at all times tried to assist those that have been possibly missed,” her household mentioned. “She was a real inspiration to many. This was echoed in how Jean was as a spouse and mum. She was the best supporter and a greatest good friend.”

Jean is survived by her husband John, and daughters Katie and Pippa.

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, by which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals by means of to worldwide championships.