THE sport horse world lost two big figures this week following the sad passing of Peter Ponsonby and Malachy Ryan.

Just last month, Peter Ponsonby and his wife Faith were jointly presented with the David Foster Lifetime Achievement Award, as a tribute to their lifelong passion and dedication to the sport of eventing. Peter and Faith began running hunter trials in 1987 at Kilcooley and this set Peter on a lifelong journey of course building. In the 1990s, he also began stewarding and went on to become an FEI steward and technical delegate.

In the many tributes posted this week, Peter was described as being kind, patient, warm and witty. A celebration of his life is taking place at Kilcooley Abbey Church, Thurles, Co Tipperary today, Saturday, March 29th at 2pm.

Peter will be sadly missed by his dearly beloved wife Faith, daughters Emma, Sarah and Julia, sons-in-law Jim, Gavin and Dan, grandchildren, brothers, extended family and many friends.

Malachy Ryan RIP

Malachy Ryan of Mountain View Stables, Clonpet, Tipperary died peacefully last Saturday, March 22nd at the age of 86. He was laid to rest on Tuesday.

A former racehorse trainer, Malachy had much success in the show ring, with horses such as Coolgreen Star, Sliebhnamon Mist, Royal Flush, Lady’s Man and Easter Star. Among the show jumpers who passed through his hands were Pele, Carroll’s For Sure and Chiquitta.

Malachy’s son and namesake said at the funeral mass: “Nothing gave Dad more pleasure than winning a red ribbon at the Dublin Horse Show.” He is survived by his wife Miriam, sons Aidan, John, Dermot, Niall and Malachy, and daughters Edel, Marion and Helen, grandchildren, extended family and friends.