George “Jud” Harrison
Tuesday 07 July 2020
It is with great sadness that British Showjumping learn of the recent death of life member and course designer George “Jud” Harrison from Cornwall.
Both George and his late wife Margaret were stalwarts of the sport within the south west for most of their lives. Jud travelled the national circuit for many years with international course designer Alan Oliver and worked with, and was highly regarded by, most of the older builders of today. He was known as being a diligent worker and a true gentleman who never had a bad word for anyone.
Daughter Margaret Pascoe said “In his final days he spent a long time reminiscing of people he knew in all walks of his life, from his birth in Lancashire growing up and farming in Lancashire to his moving to Cornwall in 1960 where he was always hardworking and wanting to do anything faster or better than everyone else. Building, Lorry driving and then at Tall Trees where he started course building for the showjumping on Wednesday nights and Sunday's which in turn led to him becoming a course builder for British Showjumping, this in turn led to him and mother travelling all around the country building for all the big shows with his best friend Alan Oliver and off course mother who loved every show.
“He was then awarded life membership of the BSJA for all the work he had done over the years. He will be lovingly remembered by many especially his family Myself ,Georgie Windsor, his grand children Paul Dray and Karina Taylor and Great Grandchildren, Alfie, Ava, Annabelle and Bethany”.
Fellow course designer Steven Williams commented “I am so sad to hear that a great old Cornish course builder and long standing friend George “Jud” Harrison has sadly died yesterday. He and Margaret who died last year were such nice kind people who always extended a warm welcome both in their caravan at shows and at their home. Jud was a grafter of the old school and always worked hard all his life. They ran Tall Trees Equestrian Centre together for many years and enjoyed and were a big part of the showjumping circuit nationally and especially in the south west. Jud was a stalwart at many shows notably Bicton and Royal Cornwall for a great many years. Aside from horses his garden and vegetable plots were amazing and his pride and joy. For a long time after most people would have retired he ran a successful market garden all immaculately laid out and cultivated by hand. They don’t make them like him anymore. I must have known Jud and Margaret for well over 30 years and they will always be remembered with a smile”.
British Showjumping would like to express their sincere condolences to Margaret and the rest of the family during this difficult time. George ‘Jud’ Harrison was a huge asset to the sport and an inspiration to all who knew him.
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