Farewell to ‘fantastic’ horseman who left a legacy of knowledge
Dave Prater, founder of the Rhencullen Stud died aged 79, on 7 November, leaving a lifetime legacy in the horse world.
Dave became involved in equestrianism at a very young age, driving horses with his lifelong friend Peter Gray of Thorneyside Stud.
He had many jobs within the horse world, from showjumping to trotting racing and even as a stuntman, working with his friend John Dent. His last such job was in the television series Robin of Sherwood in the 1980s, doubling for Ray Winstone.
He was a fantastic horseman who passed his knowledge on to his children,
Dave started the Rhencullen Stud with his wife Carol Prater and enjoyed much success in the showing world into his latter years, supporting his family in showing and carrying on his legacy. He also enjoyed supporting his grandchildren who are up and coming in the horse world, especially Phoebe who shares his passion.
Dave was a long-standing judge for the Welsh Pony and Cob Society, judging at all the major shows.
He is survived by his five children, Lisa, Danny, Dean, Michelle and Rebecca, and will be sadly missed by all.
- To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
You may also be interested in:
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.