It is with tremendous sadness that we mark the death of a remarkable horsewoman whom we were lucky enough to have as a member of the ECCTG for over forty years. Margaret Gleave (nee Hough) and her mare Bambi V are legends in horse history – in fact in sporting history – as the first lady (well ladies) to win Badminton Horse Trials and achieve selection for the Helsinki Olympics (Margaret of course unable to take the ride as females not then eligible for Olympic Eventing – but Bambi went, accompanied of course by Margaret). That makes it all the more amazing that we were able to enjoy her friendship and company, and benefit from her training (great cross country sessions at Dock Bank Farm), individual and group lessons, and constructive and consistent Dressage judging for many years, to say nothing of her work as a committee member and support for Club events over decades. Her modesty is as legendary as her horsemanship – she rarely talked about herself, but would listen to us and our horse problems with endless patience and come up with great solutions. She was and will ever be esteemed and respected by so very many great personalities in the world of horses, but to our Club she was a much loved friend and committee member who was in every way a consummate horsewoman. We will miss her hugely.
We send love and sincere sympathy to Bill, and to Pete and Kerry and Philip, Emma and Lucy on behalf of all our members. We are glad that Pete will be looking after Curly (Gemsbok, the last stallion of Bambi’s line) and Sandy for his mother – she’ll certainly be keeping an eye on that from on high!
Rest in Peace.
Margaret’s funeral is at 11.30 on Wednesday 17th January at Byley Village Church, and then 12.15 at Vale Royal Crematorium. Afterwards all will be welcome at Lach Dennis Village Hall – this last venue to be confirmed, but the welcome is definite.