‘She was a magical person’: showjumper organises Hannah Francis memorial event
A trainer who considers herself “lucky to have known” Hannah Francis is organising a show in the teenager’s memory.
Bina Ford is encouraging showjumpers to go to West Wilts EC, Wiltshire, on 7 October, to “celebrate Hannah’s life”.
Bina, who jumped on British veteran teams and owns showjumpers, is also inviting celebrity guests to the show, which features classes from 80cm to a 1.30m with £500 first prize.
“Hannah was a magical person,” she told H&H.
“Come and jump, for decent money, but never forget what she did – and is still doing, through her charity.”
Bina met Hannah (pictured) last October, 10 months before the young event rider died at the age of 18 from cancer.
Money raised at the Hannah Francis Memorial Show will go to Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony charity, which funds research into bone cancer, and grants horsey wishes to those with serious illnesses.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“I’m a pretty tough person – I hadn’t cried for about 13 years,” said Bina. “But for Hannah, I cried and cried and cried. Then I started to plan.
“I want to celebrate her life. Short as it was, she was unbelievable. She was completely selfless; everything you read about her is true.
“She was my best friend, she was unbelievable and I was lucky to have her in my life.
“All I’m trying to do with this show is to continue what Hannah started, I’m trying my best to make people aware of who she was and what she did.
Related articles:
- Inspirational teenage event rider dies from cancer
- Hannah Francis Award to go to inspirational young eventer
- Wobbleberry for Willberry: eventing challenge for ‘middle-aged, wimpy riders’
“She was a breath of fresh air – it’s so, so sad she had such a short life.”
The show schedule, and secretary’s details for entries in advance, are available here.
Anyone interested in sponsoring or contributing should call 07770 997270.
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.