JOHN TAYLOR 15 July 1955 – 16 June 2026
Tuesday 23 June 2026
British Showjumping is deeply saddened to learn Chief Stipendiary Steward John Taylor passed away on 16 June following a prolonged illness.
Former City of London Mounted Police Officer John was first a regular at British Showjumping shows driving and supporting his son Will – who competed at the prestigious London International Horse Show, Olympia, in the Young Showjumper Award – on John’s former police horse!
John himself was a competitor for the Police Force, where he affectionally earned the nickname ‘Boomer’ for his powerful, commanding voice and stentorian, resonant tones. All the top Mounted Police Departments ran shows and John competed at numerous shows in all types of competition; Best Trained, Showjumping and Tent Pegging, including the Services Jumping at HOYS.
John was in the Police Cadets from the age of 16 and joined the City of Police, London, aged 18/19. The opportunity arose to join the Mounted Police in 1977, and John snatched it with both hands. He later trained police officers coming through the MET for the Mounted Police.
“He was born in Tottenham, but his love of horses and natural ability came from his Yorkshireman father. He trained the horse I rode at Olympia, Another Jackson, from a four-year-old, and when he retired from the Mounted Police, no-one could really manage ‘Jaffa’ as we called him, so 12 or 18 months later, he bought him,” said John’s son Will. “My father still rode him occasionally, and we went through British Novice, Newcomers, Foxhunter and finally the Young Showjumper Award – where we won at Wales and West, to qualify for Olympia. Dad would have loved that but he was actually on holiday at the time.”
Historically, Stipendiary Stewards always came from the Police Force. It seemed natural that John, who was passionate about showjumping, and missed the sport and the social side, became a British Showjumping Steward after leaving the Police Force. He trained with Frank Grunnill, working alongside fellow Stewards Frank and Mike Henwood.
He became a favourite on the showjumping circuit and the go-to for competitors to ask advice. His calm approach and manner – honed from many years in the Police Force – put people at ease as he explained the rules and regulations. At first a friendly warning instead of a harsh approach worked well and endeared riders and connections alike. The rules were always applied, but in a way that resentment didn’t raise its head. John was later honoured to be made Steward General.
His love of the County Show circuit stemmed from his competitive days in the Services Jumping and Tent Pegging – when the Mounted Police Force were sponsored by HSBC – but Royal Windsor and Hickstead were also up there with the greats.
“John had a great fondness for Hickstead and was planning to be at the Hickstead Derby this year, it is so sad he missed one of his favourite shows,” said Frank.
Living close by to British Showjumping Accredited Coach and former international rider, Nettie Lewis, John was close friends with the Lewis family – Nettie, Michelle and Anthony.
“John was a wonderful giant of a man; a kind loving man and the fairest Stipendiary Steward I know who was passionate about the sport. He was old school and always wanted to do the right thing,” said Nettie. “You always heard him before you saw him – his nickname was Boomer; Boomer by name and nature. But he liked nothing more than hitching up his caravan and setting off to a show. The Lewis family will miss him dearly.”
Iain Graham British Showjumping Chief Executive remembers John as “someone who loved being around shows and horses, meeting people and helping ensure that whilst rules needed to be observed that he was there to help and assist members enjoyment of the sport. John was always happy to give his time to assist others starting out as officials and the number of messages we have received from his colleagues shows the respect and friendship they shared.”
British Showjumping would like to extend their condolences to John’s wife Liz, son Will and daughter Sarah and the grandchildren and those who worked with him.
He will be sadly missed by us all.
John’s funeral will be held on Thursday, 16th July 2026. The service will start at 11 am at All Saints Church, Essex, with family and close friends making their way to the Crematorium. This will be followed by a Wake held at the Hainault Golf Club, Chigwell, to remember him. The family have asked for people to share stories and celebrate his wonderful life; all are welcome to join.
Image: Jasmine Punter Photography
.JPG "British Showjumping Para Riders Benefit from National Training Centre Camp as the Sport Continues to Grow")
