Fred Welch - Obituary

Fred, who enjoyed a lifelong interest in horses primarily within Showjumping and Racing started his showjumping career with Phil Oliver (Alan’s father) in 1955 whilst in his early twenties.

Shortly afterwards, Fred decided to set up his own yard at Burleigh on the Hill, Oakham where he remained until he married Susan (Cohen) in 1962 whereupon they moved to Longborough near Stowe on the Wold, Gloucestershire, remaining there for four years before moving to Sherfield-on-Loddon near Hook, Hampshire which became their permanent family home.

Fred was one of Great Britain’s leading riders throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s competing alongside Harvey Smith and his great friend David Broome. Representing Great Britain on twenty one Nations Cup teams between 1961 and 1982 riding, amongst others, Brule Tout, Topper IV, Master Larry and the horse he was best remembered on Rossmore II.

With Rossmore II, Fred had numerous wins with one of his most memorable performances being when he broke the record of no British rider having won the Puissance at Olympia until he took the title in 1977. He then went on to please the crowds at Horse of the Year Show in 1978 by taking the Puissance title there also.

In later years Fred was renowned for breeding and producing many talented showjumping and race horses, deriving great pleasure from seeing his home bred race horses compete and his show jumpers progress through the grades.

Fred tutored many young riders including Mark Armstrong, Tina Fletcher and numerous others including Rowan Willis his stable jockey at the time of his death

who won the Olympia Young Riders title and brought on many of Fred’s youngsters.

Fred leaves his wife Susan, son Peter and grandson George and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral will be held at St Leonards Church, Sherfield-on-Loddon on Monday 12th April 2010 at 2.30pm. No flowers by request but donations, if desired, in his memory to Cancer Research may be sent to Alexander and Dry, 1 Seal Road, Basingstoke, Hants. RG21 7NQ