NEWS of the sudden death of Isabella Rayner last week was greeted with sadness by her many friends in the Irish horse and pony world.

She was known the length and breadth of the country for her unique character, her kindness, and her extensive knowledge of all things equine.

Having arrived in Ireland in 1980 from England, Isabella fell in love with Ireland, initially settled in the Gort area of Co Galway. Over the next 20 years, she moved to her beloved Mayo, always working with horses and her beloved ponies. Indeed she loved nothing better than leading a string of riders into the surf off Achill island.

In 2000 Isabella moved to the north east and arrived at the Jack Tennison estate at her beloved Bawn until recently moving to Baileboro, Co Cavan, where she happily spent her later years, surrounded by her horses, ponies and dogs.

Over her 37 years in Ireland, she became known at every fair horse and pony sale in the country, where she was either selling tack with her dear friend Lynn or she could be showing one of ponies who always ended in the ribbons because if the pony did not catch the eye of the judges, “Izzy” definitely did.

Her many friends and dear family held a celebration of her life at her home. Friends and neighbours reflected that Isabella was a real character, an independent, intelligent lady who gave so much to so many. Her knowledge of all things equine was exhaustive but most of all, Isabella will be sadly missed for her kindness and her unique persona. Her wake was attended by hundreds and the house was very much alive with banter and laughter and recitals of so many Isabella stories.

May she rest in peace.

P.C.