Ponies (UK) founder Joan Lee-Smith dies aged 99

Ponies (UK) founder Joan Lee-Smith has died at the age of 99.

Originally an executive officer on the council of the British Show Pony Society, Mrs Lee-Smith then served as chairman of Ponies of Britain in the days of Glenda Spooner before founding the showing-based society, Ponies (UK) in 1988.

Among her many initiatives were the winter showing circuit, mountain and moorland classes and the Lee-Smith home-produced classes. She was awarded a medal of honour by the British Horse Society, served on the East of England Show’s Executive Committee and was made a Fellow of the Association of British Riding Schools after serving as its national chair.

Until recently, she played an active role in the annual Ponies (UK) championship shows, which are run by her daughter, Ponies (UK) chair, Davina Whiteman.

Update: memorial details

A memorial service for Ponies (UK) founder Joan Lee-Smith will take place at St Andrew’s church, Alwalton, at 3pm next Wednesday (17 April).

Parking will be available behind the Col Dane memorial hall.

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