“Ian had offered to weatherproof the judges’ huts for the two-phase this weekend, and that’s what he was busy doing when his heart stopped. Ian was a dedicated and reliable volunteer, always ready to help in any capacity. He had been a fence judge, area steward, chief timer, controller and announcer for us, and he rarely missed an Organizing Committee meeting. Groton House was important to him and he was important to us. We will miss him.”
I am told by Ian’s friends in Area I that he was originally from the UK, and has been a member of the Area 1 eventing scene for many many years. With his beautiful English accent, he was widely sought after as an announcer for local events and schooling shows. He dearly loved his chestnut draft horse Dougal. Ian also enjoyed filming horse trials and building XC fences for Apple Tree Farm, where he took lessons. He will be dearly missed, but there is solace in the fact that Ian died doing what he loved and in the place he loved.
Go eventing.