Karen Hughes and Clark Montgomery. Photo courtesy of Clark Montgomery.
The eventing community mourns the loss of another dear friend this week in Karen Hughes, a longtime groom who cared for countless top level horses over the years, mentored many grooms along the way and dedicated her life in service to the sport.
Karen bravely battled cancer for the last few years of her life and career and passed away yesterday. She worked for top riders over the years, including Andrew Hoy, Bettina Hoy, Harry Meade and most recently Clark Montgomery.
She groomed at many Olympic and World Games and European Championships and was a familiar, much-loved face at events. Last year Karen received the British Grooms Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor of which she was most deserving.
Many heartfelt tributes from Karen’s fellow grooms and the riders she worked for over the years have been posted to social media.
Clark Montgomery said: “Your fight is over. Eventing will never be the same without you. You gave your heart, soul and life to the sport and to your horses. You’ll always live on in our hearts.”
Max Corcoran said: “Thank you for the chats, knowledge, inspiration and humor. You were so brave, humble and selfless — you have affected all of us and have made all horses and humans lives you have touched better.”
Our thoughts are with the Montgomery Equestrian Team, Karen’s family and friends, and all in the eventing family who knew and loved her. Karen touched so many hearts and lives.
Read on for more social media tributes:
