Goodbye to a South African Legend: David Stubbs

On the evening of the 24th of November, the South African showjumping community heard of the passing of David Stubbs; a revered horseman who was also passionate about developing the South African Warmblood breed.

David Stubbs and his wife Charlotte, who sadly passed away 5 years ago, were incredibly influential figures in the equestrian community, from their active competitive careers to David’s active involvement in the South African Warmblood breed. In the competition ring, David was the first international showjumper in the UK to compete on a South African-bred horse, winning titles including the British National Championship. Outside of the ring, and alongside Gerrie du Toit, who sadly passed away several months ago, David Stubbs regularly toured the country giving advice to breeders and sourcing the best local bloodlines to improve the SAW breed.

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Alongside their foundational development of the SAW breed in South Africa, David and Charlotte drew up the plans for Warmblood licensing where David, with his exceptional eye for conformation and potential talent in youngstock, headed the inspection panel for a number of years and also became an inspector for the licensing of Namibian Warmbloods. He also was part of the team who initiated the birth of the Transvaal Showing Association that later became the Transvaal Horse Society, which many will remember as still being active 15+ years ago.

David, inspired greatly by May Foxcroft’s love and respect for horses, also advocated strongly for the Highveld Horse Care Unit and would often take people into the townships to witness the lives that the railway horses endured in order to try and build a better life for the horses.

The Stubbs arena at Kyalami Equestrian Park is a long-lasting tribute to the incredible work and legacy that is left behind. 

Rest in peace David, and thank you for your contribution to the equestrian community we know today.

-The JumpOff-

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