In Memoriam: Sally Merrison, 1936 – 2026

British Dressage is deeply saddened to share the passing of Sally Merrison. Sally was a hugely influential figurehead of dressage, known by many for her unending depth of knowledge and willingness to help others. 

Born in Inverness, Sally started her riding career at seven years old, largely partaking in showing in her earlier years. Later on in her ridden career, Sally had bred several horses from her daughter’s eventing mare, which brought Sally into the dressage world where she trained and competed many horses, including one of her most successful mares Maple Matilda, up to Advanced level.

In 2000, Sally was appointed as Chief Selector for the Junior and Young Rider teams, alongside her role as List One judge and judge’s examiner. Throughout her life, Sally has been a beacon of hope, encouragement and wisdom for so many; aiding in the training and mentoring of young judges and riders. Sally was one of the co-founders of the iconic Goodwood Showground in West Sussex and was heavily involved in the development and guidance of the Young Riders who trained and competed at Goodwood.

Based in West Sussex, Sally was well known by the South and East venues, being described as “always positive and a staunch supporter of BD”. List 3A judge Penny Hayward reflected on her time with Sally; “she devoted much time to helping others particularly in judge training where she tirelessly passed on her huge knowledge and experience to others. She was very popular as a judge herself and was much in demand for her valued assessments and opinions, which she willingly gave. She will be much missed, particularly to dressage in the Southern area, notably at the 'old Hickstead' where she was often to be seen in the Secretariat supporting others with her incredible depth of knowledge and practical experience.”

Former Youth team member Andrew Gould described her as “such a genuine person with a real love for Dressage and the Youth riders. She was my selector for 4 years and we all called her ‘Grandma’ as that’s how she treated us, we were like her extended family. She expected good things from us and she was so proud when we won our first team Bronze; I know she would have been extremely proud watching Becky Moody, Sarah Millis, Kate Cowell and myself develop through the sport and we take great pride and pleasure that she was a part of our journey. She we be sadly missed.”

One of Sally’s fellow judges and mentees Fiona Wilson commented that “she was the kindest and most generous person with her words and knowledge. Her warm, friendly personality helped and encouraged so many in the dressage community. Sally helped me personally with both my young rider and judging journeys and was always there to support with Rosemary Herbert, Sarah Whitmore and Jennie Loriston- Clarke.

She was a longtime favourite judge at Dressage at Hickstead and I have fond memories of her late husband Harry, who provided some spectacular Classic Morris cars to display at Hickstead in between writing and supporting Sally and the sport. Her knowledge came from competing and training for many years and this was passed on to her children who were a big part of the equestrian community.

Sally was just such a lovely lady who was approachable, empathetic, good natured and caring for everyone around her before she thought about herself. She was deeply respected in the dressage world.”

Furthermore Jennie Loriston-Clarke, who competed alongside Sally for many years along with many of our other dressage legends including David Hunt and Jane Kidd, described Sally as “much like how Stephen [Clarke] was. She was just so supportive and positive towards everyone, be it as a judge or a rider. Sally was always very jolly, rode with great aplomb and was very successful in her own right as a rider. As a judge, she had a very good eye for harmony and balance; she was always very positive and approachable for everybody. She was a true inspiration for many”.

Celebration of life

Details on Sally’s celebration of life are yet to be confirmed, and will be shared in due course.