Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2011/January 2012 | Page 96

EQUESTRIAN

Sad loss to Island
riding community

Over 350 friends and family gathered
for the funeral of well-loved equestrian
supporter Sue Lightbown on
November 21. The service was held at
the IW Crematorium, Whippingham.
Sue sadly passed away aged 64 at her
home Stone Farm, only hours after
attending an IW Riding Club meeting.
Sue was born in 1947 and educated
on the Island; initially she served as a
driver in the army and was based in
Edinburgh. On returning to the Island
Sue pursued her love of horses and
at the age of 19 she started work as a
groom for Jean McCausland’s stables
in Adgestone.
At the age of 21 Sue went on to
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marry Mike Lightbown at Garfield
Road Methodist Church, Ryde.
Together they purchased Stone Farm,
at Blackwater Hollow, nr. Newport
and from there they ran a successful
haulage company.
Sue’s immense passion for horses
stayed with her throughout her life.
She initially got involved with the IW
Pony Club and went on to become
a leading figure with the IW Riding
Club. She later became chairman
organising many major team and
dressage events for approx. 15 years.
It goes without saying that Sue
taught her two sons Wayne (43) and
Paul (41) to ride at a very young age,
which paid off, as Wayne became a
talented rider who was shortlisted for
selection with the British Paralympic
riding team.
Sue will be sadly missed by many
friends and family, including her
husband, two sons, granddaughter
Megan, and her two brothers.