It is with great sadness we announce the passing of (Babs) Cecilia Debonnaire Ruchwaldy.

16/02/47 – 01/06/25

The BSPS wishes to offer its deepest condolences to Babs’s friends and family at this sad time.

Babs was a familiar face around the shows for many years as a respected judge, exhibitor, producer and mentor, especially to her protégé and great friend Emma Burrow. With her keen eye for a star she took great delight in finding a pony at the sales, then patiently waiting for their partnership with Emma to blossom into success.

Two such animals being the Section B Crawel Swansong, purchased as a two year old at Fayre Oaks, going onto being a dual Olympia finalist and more recently Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso, purchased as a foal at the Cob Sales going on to win the Royal Welsh, HOYS and the 2019 Olympia Supreme Championship.

Yealand Stud of Show Ponies and especially Hunter Ponies that shaped a dynasty of stock renowned for their strength and soundness, a core element that was instilled into her by her hunting parents. By using the classic Thoroughbred x Bwlch Valentino cross Yealand stallions such as the full brothers Nemesis, Night Owl (pictured below) and Night Echo became legendary sires, leading on to producing the Royal International Champion Yealand Psalm and the HOYS Champion Yealand Angelina, to name just two.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and leaves a void of friendship and knowledge which is simply irreplaceable.

A true one of a kind.

Funeral details :

Wednesday 25th June , the service will be at 12.30 at
Beetham Hall Crematorium
Beetham
Milnthorpe
LA7 7BQ

Please don’t be afraid to wear some colour, sparkle or glitter to celebrate her wonderful life and character , we all knew as Babs.

Please join us afterwards at …

The Longlands Hotel
Tewitfield
Carnforth
LA6 1JH

To raise a glass and share memories and stories of this amazing lady.

We also ask in lieu of flowers you may wish to donate to The Injured Jockeys Fund a fund close to Babs heart, a collection box will be at the service.