Sad passing of Audrey Adams

THE dressage and wider equestrian community was saddened to hear of the passing of Audrey Adams on October 19th at the age of 90. Audrey was a dedicated and active member of the Dressage Ireland Northern Region committee for many years.

Audrey Adams (née Usher) was born in May 1932 in Edinburgh. She grew up spending time at the family farm in the Borders, where she took any opportunity to ride, including the farm work horses. Audrey moved to Northern Ireland when she married Philip in 1954 where they raised their family of four.

She encouraged all her children to ride and become members of the East Down Pony Club, of which she eventually became District Commissioner, which earned her the prestigious Cubitt Award. Her daughter Lucy went on to become an international dressage rider for Ireland.

She then became a member of the Dressage Ireland Northern Region committee, hosting meetings in her house, organising tests sheets and scoring at shows and putting up visiting judges from UK and the continent. She was regularly seen doing long stints of scoring at the National Championships at Cavan Equestrian Centre.

Sympathy

Leading a tribute by Dressage Ireland, chairperson Marguerite Kavanagh said: “I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Audrey Adams. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to Lucy and to the family and friends of Audrey.

“Audrey was always very pleasant and in good form every time I met her, she was an outstanding member of Dressage Ireland providing dedicated and exemplary service as a member of the Northern Region committee.

“Like so many other members who met her at shows, I recall she was always doing something to help in the running of a dressage event particularly in providing the very important scoring service. We will miss her greatly, may she Rest in Peace.”

Audrey will be lovingly missed by her children Caroline, William, Lucy and Rachel, extended family and friends. Following a private family cremation, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Saintfield Parish Church next Wednesday, October 26th at 11am.