Eventing world mourns loss of Top Groom Karen Hughes
Monday brought with it the bitterly sad news of the loss of Karen Hughes, one of the world’s greatest Eventing grooms, as she lost her long and courageous battle against cancer. Karen, who through her years dedicated to the sport, was groom to many of the top riders such as Andrew and Bettina Hoy, Harry Meade and most recently Clark Montgomery. In 2015 Karen’s tireless work was recognised and celebrated, as she received the British Grooms Associations Lifetime Achievement Award. Karen played an integral part in the careers and lives of the horses and rider’s she worked with throughout her lifetime. This is clearly reflected through the riders heartfelt tributes towards Karen, which have been posted via their personal social media pages:
Clark Montgomery: “R.I.P. My friend. 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. Love you.”
Harry Meade: “So sad to hear Karen has lost her brave fight with cancer. She was an amazing groom & an inspiration to others.”
Bettina Hoy: “So glad we had the opportunity to spend a very special evening with the most amazing horse person I know. I owe her the biggest part of my successes with Watermill Stream, Unsung Hero, Woodsides Ashby and above all Ringwood Cockatoo. I appreciated very much all she did for me and still benefit from her vast knowledge.
“Hope you are at a better place now and we will always miss you. Rest in peace Karen Hughes! If anyone anywhere in the world feels they would like to share their memories of her with her family I am sure it will be hugely appreciated. Pm me and I will forward her family’s address so you can write a letter.”
There will be a celebration of Karen Hughes life at 11:45am on Tuesday 7th June at:
Westerleigh Crematorium & Cemetery
Westerleigh Road
BRISTOL
(BS37 8QP)
*Please use SatNav BS37 8RF*
Karen has requested attendees wear bright colours to celebrate her life.
Donations in lieu of flowers if desired may be made to “William Budd Endowment Fund”, this is the oncology ward at the RUH Hospital in Bath that supported Karen.
From everyone here at Everything Horse we offer our deepest condolences to Karen’s friends and family during this time.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.