MEMBERS of the student riding, eventing and Pony Club communities are in mourning following the untimely death of Chris Corballis of Timoole, Rathfeigh, Tara, Co Meath.

The popular eventing steward and technical delegate is survived by his wife Nicole, baby son Ciaran, parents Tim and Clare Corballis, twin brother Anthony, sister Tash and extended family.

A keen horse rider, Chris was a member of the Tipperary Foxhounds and the Tipperary Pony Club from a young age, supported by his father Tim, stallion nomination manager at Coolmore Stud, and mother Clare.

He represented the Tipperary Pony Club in eventing, show jumping and dressage from under-12 up to senior level. Chris was a member of the winning senior event team at the Pony Club championships in 2000 and moved into Eventing Ireland in 1997, competing on ponies Sportsfield Lar and Calico, and later Dunsfort Lad on whom he contested Blarney and Punchestown international horse trials at junior level.

He and Gold Ringer were part of the Irish young rider team in Bialy Bor, Poland. He went on to become president and captain of the UCD equestrian club, representing the university for many years in intervarsity competition.

Chris met his Swiss wife Nicole (nee Handschin) through international student riding and this week the AIEC, the International University Equestrian Federation paid tribute to him.

“Chris played an integral role in both international student riding and national student within Ireland for many years. And words cannot describe how positively he affected so many people’s lives in the process. Those that knew him can testify to his generous spirit and constant enthusiasm; a true embodiment of what it means to be a student rider,” said an AIEC spokesperson.

“It is with heavy hearts that we must say goodbye to a true gentleman. Your loss is a huge loss to all of us. The thoughts and prayers of the worldwide AIEC community go out to you, your family, and friends during this time. And there is no doubt that you will be greatly missed by one and all. The memories we have of our time with you will never be forgotten!”

The funeral service took place yesterday, Friday, at St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Navan.