Farewell to… horse trials stalwart John Colson

British Eventing (BE) has paid tribute to Longleat Horse Trials organiser, Lt Col John Colson, who died on 16 May, aged 70.

John’s passion for eventing and hunting developed during his time with the King’s Troop. He was involved with the sport in many ways, organising the Army horse trials at Sandhurst with Capt Mark Phillips in 1977 and as course-builder at Tidworth.

John took over as organiser of the popular Longleat in 1998, which moved to Nunney last year.

“His contribution to the sport has been immense; he truly has been one of the unsung heroes,” said BE chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith.

John leaves his wife Jessica, three children and seven grandchildren.

The funeral is on 30 May at 12.30pm at St Michael and All Angels in Awliscombe, Honiton, Devon.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (23 May 2013)

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