Tim Stockdale’s talent and kindness remembered by those whose lives he touched

“A gentleman and a horseman”: that was how Lulu Kyriacou of Grand Prix UKdescribed the rider, who had been diagnosed with stomach cancer this Fall: ​“Stockdale will be missed by all who have any connection with the sport of showjumping.” And that sentiment has been echoed in numerous comments which describe not only a talented athlete but generous and warm person.

“You always had a big smile and [were] always so full of enthusiasm,” said British show jumping rider Ellen Whitaker. You achieved so much for yourself and your country and you were an unbelievable team player – your team will miss you! The greatest of respect to your lovely family. Sending all my love and best wishes.” Another fellow rider, Yazmin Pinchen, remembered a “lovely, lovely man”: “Thank you for all your kind words, advice and encouragement. An inspiring gentleman who will never be forgotten.”

BBC presenter Claire Balding has similar memories of Stockdale: “Tim was a brilliant show jumper, a great coach, a wonderful team-mate on the TV, a warm, funny and hugely supportive human being…. I feel so lucky to have known him. Love and hugs to all his family who will miss him so much.” British Showjumping chairman Les Harris added, “My thoughts are with his wife Laura and their sons Joseph and Mark, whom we will be doing our utmost to support following their loss.”

At the Fédération Équestre Internationale, the global governing body for Olympic equestrian sports, FEI Jumping Director John Roche said, “Equestrian sport has lost a great ambassador and friend with the passing of Tim Stockdale…. The news of his death has come as a great shock to us all. Tim was a true horseman and a great competitor. He never lost his passion for competition and was jumping internationally until recently. His friendliness, smile, sense of humour, as well as his positive approach to life will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.”

And the kindness of the 2008 Olympian – whose riding talents were first recognised at the age of seven at Nottinghamshire’s Grove Pony Club –  is also being recalled outside the sporting world, including at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, England, not far from Wales, which he supported after recovering there from a broken neck at the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries after a fall riding several years ago.

“All of the team on MCSI are devastated to hear the news of Tim’s death,” ward manager Rebecca Warren told the Oswestry and Border Counties Advertizer.“He was an incredible person and an inspiration to so many for what he achieved, particularly those of us who enjoy horse riding…. All of our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”