William Miflin

In Memoriam: William Miflin 1968 – 2013.  

William was a great husband, father to Thomas and Georgia, a great horseman and a dedicated and encouraging coach. His premature departure from this world is a sad loss to us all.  William’s enthusiasm for life, his commitment to others and his selfless passion for helping and supporting those around him will be very fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

I first met William in the late 80’s and I have always been struck by his drive and determination with whatever he set his mind to achieving.

He rode successfully at four-star level with the great Passadena II, whom he produced himself and completed five Badminton’s and four Burghley’s.  He achieved an Amada dish in 1997 for five Badminton completions; a remarkable achievement in itself, made even more special as each completion was on Passadena.  As a partnership they were also long listed for two Olympic Games.

In 2000 William achieved his BHSI and also became a BE Accredited Trainer. William’s love and commitment to the Pony Club was evident in the many things that he did, from training winning Pony Club event teams through to stewarding at the Pony Club Championships for three consecutive years.

William bravely battled cancer for several years with the same positive determination that he had shown throughout all walks of his life.  All the while still coaching, helping and supporting others.

William very much appreciated the support that he received from the F and I Association.  One of the last conversations I had with William was about how much he valued and appreciated the support that had been shown to him through the gift of the iPad.  This enabled him to connect to friends unseen and keep abreast with all the news and especially for the very kind and much appreciated donations that will enable Thomas and Georgia to follow in William’s footsteps and continue their riding.  One of William’s great desires was that his children have the opportunity to enjoy and experience equestrian life as he did.

I would like to say “thank you William, you were a great friend, we will all miss you, but I for one know that I shall never forget you”.

 

Rest in peace, in the great hunting field in the sky.

Lizzel Winter