SUE SINNATT moved to Three Gates Lane in Haslemere in 1975.

Prior to that she had a peripatetic life, moving with her husband, Major General Martin Sinnatt, as his job in the military moved them from postings in Norway, Germany, and various locations around the UK.

They moved from Haslemere to Standford, just outside Liphook, in 1988.

Sue joined the Cowdray, Leconfield and Chiddingfold Pony Club committee around 1980 and was appointed district commissioner approximately a year later. She held the post for most of the 1980s.

During this time she introduced the mandatory wearing of protective helmets at all district Pony Club events – ahead of national guidance.

Her focus was on ensuring the Pony Club was fun and inclusive – and riders were safe and courteous.

Hard hats with soft peaks were worn in equestrian activities in the branch – some years ahead of official action at a national level.

The change from hats with a hard peak to a soft peak made a major impact on riders’ health and safety, significantly reducing the chance of riders breaking their neck in a fall.

While Sue’s primary focus was on good, safe riding and courtesy, she made the branch a force to be reckoned with.

During her time as district commissioner, Sue inspired the dressage team to reach the final of the Pony Club Championship.

Sue’s enthusiasm and encouragement inspired a number of riders to careers in three-day eventing, including her own daughter Victoria Sinnatt, who competed at major national competitions including Tweseldown, Peper Harow, Burghley and Badminton Horse Trails on her horse Staks.

Sue was a popular and well-loved member of the Pony Club committee, and had a life-long love of horses.

Sue died at the age of 85. She had four daughters and eight grandchildren.