Pioneering breeder Sam Barr dies at the age of 90

Sam Barr, a pioneering event horse breeder and founder of the famous Welton line, died on 30 April. He was 90.

His first stallion, Welton Gameful, sired a dynasty of successful event horses, many of which are still competing. Gameful was the sire of Welton Friday, on whom Sam made his four-star debut — aged 64 — at Burghley in 1984.

More than 20 horses bred by Sam and his wife Linda competed at four star, with three of them winning at the highest level: Welton Greylag (Burghley 1991), Welton Houdini (Badminton 1993) and Welton Envoy (Kentucky 2000).

In 2009, Sam received the British Equestrian Federation medal of honour.

Sam’s funeral will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, 10 May at Hartpury Church, Glos, and then back at the family’s farm. All are welcome.

Donations in Sam’s memory for the Riding for the Disabled Association can be made at www.rda.org.uk

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