Tribute to Ian Olding / Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund

[SW3]

There is a really lovely tribute to Ian on the British Eventing website which has been contributed to by his brother, owners and connections. In it his brother has asked for family flowers only, but suggested that if anyone wishes, donations can be made in Ian’s name to the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.

Ian was a great bloke, his lessons were always the greatest of fun and he certainly knew how to get the best out of me and my horse. I will never forget my first encounter with the (then) chain smoking man in the tightest, brightest, scariest turquoise breeches I had ever seen! His language was terrible but his heart was very much in the right place and his humour was infectious.

As a (very amateurish) competition rider who went for as many lessons as I could with Ian - I think it is a good idea to promote the support of a wonderful charity (that we all hope we will never need the help of) and I certainly think it is a really good way for anyone who wishes to show their respects to Ian. I just thought I would mention it here because a lot of people seem to be upset about what has happened and I thought they might like to know. I don't represent the charity and I'm not trying to be pushy, I just thought people might be interested. The link to the charity's just giving page is here: http://www.justgiving.com/mdirf

 

[only_me]

Tribute to Ian Olding (copied off site.)

Ian had always loved horses. Born in North Belfast in February 1962, Ian and his brother Gary went to school at Belfast Royal Academy, but it wasn't long before they moved to Carrickfergus. His father, Fred, was a Captain in the Navy, and his mum Jess was from Liverpool, so, as Gary explains: "Horses were not in the genes, but he was bonkers about them! He loved just being around horses. When he left school, he started out as a chef, but it just wasn't him; horses and teaching people to event was his life. When he left Northern Ireland, it was almost as if he was running off to the circus! He just wanted to go eventing. We are all in deep shock and we are at a loss as to what to do without him. Ian will be very sadly missed by mum and dad, myself, my wife Lyn and his three nephews. Our only consolation was that he died doing something he loved."

Fellow Irish Eventer Rachelle Harding who has known Ian since his teenage years, says " I was always delighted to see Ian pulling up at events because he was a real comedian, the joker who kept everyone going. Ian was very much part of the riding community in Northern Ireland and along with everyone else I am very shocked."

For the last four years, Ian was based at Somerford Park Farm in Sandbach, Cheshire. Equestrian centre owner Debbie King says: "Ian will be sorely missed here - he was such a bright light. He was part of Somerford's 'fixtures and fittings.' He ran a really successful business here and had a yard of talented horses. He had so many faithful clients, not just here in Cheshire, but all over the country. Teaching was his passion and he has helped many riders achieve their dreams.

"Ian was always entertaining and had the ability to make you smile; he was so enthusiastic. He had the knack of walking into a room and creating a party! Ian always had time for people; he was a very sociable person with lots of contacts. He was direct but never held a grudge, which was something I always admired. He really was a one-off."

Several of Ian's horses have the Gran prefix and it all started with Sue Kirkpatrick's horse, Gran-Kiki, or 'Alfie', as he was known. Ian had ridden Gran-Kiki up to 3-Star International level during their six-year partnership, and completed Boekelo last October.

Sue says: "I first met Ian when he came to teach in the Isle of Man. People here are just devastated as he touched so many lives. He was such a character and always was the life and soul. I owned Alfie with him since he started at pre-novice, and I have enjoyed sharing the ups and downs of Ian taking him to Advanced. It was his dream to ride at 4* level and he and Alfie qualified for Badminton this year."

Chris Shaw, British Eventing Regional Director says: "Ian rode three horses for me during his time in this country. I became able to call him a friend and know him as someone who would always help others whenever and wherever he could. "When arriving in Cheshire from Ireland, he very soon became a popular figure on the eventing scene. Over the years, his trademark humour and the fun he brought with him were well known. He was sure to lift any dampened spirits and he always had a word for everyone he met. He lived for horses. He lived for competition. He was respected for his ability to ride to a fence. Ian lived life for the moment, to the full, and with an independent energy and an amazing joie de vivre. I am very glad that he did. We had some rare old times. I will remember him and miss him - as we all will."

British Eventing has launched a full investigation into the tragedy and is liaising with the Health and Safety Executive, the Police and the Organisers.

Eventing Ireland Chairman John Wright said, " We obviously lost a most talented and enjoyable companion. Ian was very popular with his fellow eventers wherever he went. He was a dedicated sportsman and animated trainer who enjoyed his life to the full, and passed away doing what he loved dearly. Everyone in Eventing Ireland will miss him greatly."

Ian will return home to Carrickfergus where he will be cremated. Gary has asked for family flowers only, but donations can be made in Ian's name to the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund. Gary would also like to thank Ian's friends for the many messages of sympathy they have received.

Individual Donations in Ian's name can be made by cheque to The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund (MDIRF) and sent to:

MDIRF

Lancrow Farmhouse

Penpillick Hill

Cornwall

PL24 2SA

Or telephone MDIRF on 01726-813156


R.I.P Ian

 

[lintyldesley]

Ian gave lessons to both of my kids, teenagers at the time . My memories of him includes when my daughter, who was always complaining that she couldnt get her lazy pony Maanie to move quick enough, ian told her to take him round the school and past him and to "BE AWARE!!!" as Zoe came past him Ian wisped the whip at Maanies heels with a pphhhheeiiiit sound and the pony said ok ! I hear ya!! and the rest of the lesson went like a dream, with pony keeping a respectful eye on both Ian and whip. My son Jon learnt such a lot from him too. We all held him in great respect and he will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts go out to his Family and close friends for the tragic and sad loss of a great character. Tyldesley family. Isle of Man. RIP IAN.

 

[Brandysnap]

Hi, all friends,

Ian taught me a lot.. Not about pc mother + brat crap, which i just can't do, but rather, he was a mate. If they were all like him, the horsey world would be a much better place.

He was funny, + lovely, knew loads.

May we all learn from him.

I think that's what he wants to say. Much love BS x (I also heard him say f*** the rest!) (My imagination, obviously....?)