Cockington Riding Club’s annual meeting and prize-giving was tinged with sadness as tributes were paid to much-loved member Kathy Doble, who died earlier this year.

‘Even after leaving the committee, Kathy and her family supported many of our shows. She was always on hand to help out wherever possible, even if that was just a kind word to a busy or frazzled committee member, or supporting someone competing in one of the show rings,’ said Cockington Riding Club chairman Vanessa Butt.

‘To say she will be greatly missed by us all is a massive understatement.’

To honour Kathy, a new trophy was donated in her memory – The Spirit of the Club Award – which will be presented annually.

The first recipient of the award was Hannah Parsons-Khandker, which she received from Kathy’s daughter Alison.

The riding club’s events are held at Bellamarsh, near Chudleigh. The Clifford Estate allows the club to use the field to stage shows and, as a thank you, each year it donates £2,000 for the estate to give to a charity of its choice – this year the money will go to Blind Veterans UK.

The club also donated cash raised at their successful Charity Show which took place in July – £250 to the Devon Air Ambulance and £125 to Rowcroft Hospice. And, in memory of Kathy, the club donated a further £150 to a charity to be chosen by her husband Bob and Alison.

More pictures in the Friday, December 15 edition of the Mid-Devon Advertiser