PATTIE CURTIS, well-loved and respected riding instructor from Talland School of Equitation, sadly passed away on January 31.

After 50 years of teaching at Talland, Pattie was an institution at the riding centre and trained with the very first proprietor of Talland, Molly Sivewright. She was also accomplished at riding side-saddle.

Talland released a short statement regarding the passing of their great friend, acknowledging her wonderful contribution to teaching at the riding school, near Cirencester which she joined after leaving school.

The statement read: “Pattie has been so much a part of Talland and our family life for the last 50 years and has taught numerous students who will remember her fondly during their time with us.”

Pattie was admitted to the Gloucester Royal Hospital after a prolonged respiratory problem. After surgery she suffered a heart attack, and died peacefully surrounded by her family.

The funeral will be held at Coates Church, Cirencester at midday tomorrow (Friday, February 10). All are welcome. Donations can be sent to A Slade & Sons Funeral Directors, 35 Dyer Street Cirencester and will be given to the Critical Care Unit at Gloucester Hospital.

BEAUFORT HUNT Pony Club member Jasmine Punter was awarded the Natural Animal Feeds (NAF) January Shining Star award for her dedication to show jumping.

Jasmine, who lives near Chippenham, competes with the Wiltshire Junior show jumping team while balancing a budding career as a photographer and studying for her A-Levels at Malmesbury School.

Lead coach Nicky Florence nominated Jasmine and said: “She is a joy to coach, a great listener and always has a smile on her face when riding. I currently have several young show jumpers and I wouldn’t hesitate to ask her to work and jump them for me.”

Jasmine has already qualified for the Blue Chip Championships and gained the Discovery and Newcomer requirements of double-clear rounds with her new horse. Always keen to improve her skills and knowledge, she has attended nearly all the Junior Academy coaching sessions and is currently working her way through the NAF Five Star Performance Awards.

The Shining Star award was introduced when NAF became a British Showjumping business partner. The award celebrates Junior Academy members who have shown great commitment, progression and outstanding behaviour along with a talent for riding. Riders are nominated by their lead coach, and then one person is selected by NAF each month.

LONDON Olympics dressage hopeful Charlotte Dujardin, has returned after a successful early-season campaign in the States.

Charlotte, from Newent, finished second at the World Dressage Masters Freestyle in Palm Beach, Florida. Just 0.05 per cent stood between Charlotte and first-placed rider Steffen Peters from the USA.

The 26-year-old rode into the runners-up spot on a brilliant score of 83.650 per cent aboard international team-mate Carl Hester’s usual ride Valegro.

Hester himself pulled out all the stops with his trademark ‘Sex Bomb’ routine to finish in fourth with Wie Atlantico.

A GLOUCESTERSHIRE riding instructor hopes to secure the winning vote when she goes to head-to-head with other equestrian heroes in the final of a national award. Pat Wakefield, of Lypiatt, is a finalist in the Horse Magazine Unsung Hero of the Year Award. The award aims to acknowledge the efforts of those who go the extra mile to help others.

In the magazine’s March issue, (on sale now), readers are being asked to vote for who they think is most worthy of the title. There are five finalists, including Pat.

Pat was nominated for the award by Cotswold Hunt Pony Club member Jenny Lawton, who says the instructor helped transform her relationship with pony Magic.

“Pat has helped Magic and I go from being eliminated regularly to winning the mini section at our Pony Club Area Eventing – our most important competition,” said Jenny. The overall winner will receive a Barbour jacket, worth around £200.