THE Irish equestrian world is all the poorer this week with the passing of three true stalwarts – Frances Cash, Jim Hurst and Henry Graham.

There was much shock at the news of the sudden death of renowned show horse producer and judge Frances Cash who passed away on Tuesday. Hundreds of people paid tribute to the legendary horsewoman on The Irish Field’s Facebook page (see page A58 for an extensive tribute to Mrs Cash).

Also on Tuesday, breeder Henry Graham (66) died. Aside from breeding many good horses, he also commissioned the well known oil painting of Slyguff Stud’s King Of Diamonds story.

Last Wednesday, the death took place of John James (Jim) Hurst of Hurst Show Horses, Tattygare Stud, Lisbellaw.

The Hurst family are extremely well known north and south and have enjoyed great success countrywide including dominating the RDS breeders’ championship.

The husband of Arabella and the father of Adrian and the late Sharon, Jim was the father-in-law of Shirley (nee Cox) and grandfather to Adrianna, James, William and brother-in-law to Ruth. His funeral service took place in Lisbellaw Parish Church last Friday.

A full appreciation of Jim Hurst will be published shortly.