The equestrian community is urged to wear blue to honour event rider and coach Sally Butler, who died aged 30 in January after a cardiac arrest. Friends and family request riders to don blue ribbons or tape this season while embodying her positive spirit. Tributes have already appeared at events like Poplar Park.
Sally Butler, a much-loved event rider and coach, passed away in hospital the week after suffering a cardiac arrest in January, at the age of 30. She competed at four-star level with her home-produced mare, Diamonds Eclipse, including at Bramham 2025. Her ambition was to reach five-star competition. Butler held her Pony Club A test, worked for Stuart and Holly Campbell on backing and starting young horses, and groomed to five-star standard across Europe for Tricia Pytches. Known for her pale blue cross-country colours, she was remembered for her supportiveness toward all riders, especially grassroots competitors. Her friend Alice Herrick said: “Sally had time for everyone from grassroots upwards and will always be remembered for her advice, generosity and smiling words of encouragement.” Herrick added: “She was so amazing with grassroots riders and empowering them to feel they could get out there and enjoy themselves... She was always positive and sunshine.” In early March, at Poplar Park on 7-8 March, Simon Grieve wore blue to honour Butler and hosted a polework clinic in her memory with several coaches. Grieve told Horse & Hound: “She was a genuinely lovely and kind soul, who had a natural gift for coaching in the most empathetic way... She used to come to coach clinics at my base Field Farm monthly and was an absolute joy to have around. We will all miss her very much.” Friends and family encourage riders to wear blue ribbons or tape throughout the season and to “be more Sally”.