Victoria Waiting died at the age of just 44 after suffering a brain tumour.

It was far too young to go and her passing left a big hole in the lives of many, especially her husband Stewart and children James and Alex as well as her mum Christine and brother Robert.

Vic was a well-known figure in the local equestrian world, both as competitor and supporter, sponsoring many local events. So it’s profoundly fitting that a show is being organised in her honour – to mark the memory of a very special and much-missed lady.

As is so often the case, plans started fairly small, but grew very fast, as chief organiser Heather Metcalf explains.

“The idea for a show quickly mushroomed to a three-day event with flat classes on the Friday, show-jumping on the Saturday and working hunters on the Sunday – with classes for every age, size and ability.

“Each day will have championships with £100 prizes to the winner of each day, plus a supreme championship on Sunday with stunning sashes to be won. We’re also running a points scheme with a supreme overall to give everyone a chance of doing well. Every first prize-winner will be given a bale of shavings courtesy of Jenkinsons.

“I don’t think any other unaffiliated show has ever been able to put this much on offer so it will be extra special.”

She adds: “We were all so shocked to lose Vic so swiftly and suddenly. One minute she was happily galloping around Somerford Park; the next she had collapsed and was very ill.

“We’re determined she won’t be forgotten and we think she’d like the idea of helping someone else progress, so we are also setting up a bursary in her name, open to anyone that competes at the show. It’s not about the best rider; it’s about finding someone with promise who could go further with a little bit of help. Everyone needs a leg up at some time and this could be a real turning point for someone – child or adult.”

Money raised will go to Brain Tumour Research and to Pendleside Hospice, which looked after Victoria.

Her husband Stewart says the hospice provided excellent care for her and the family throughout a devastating time.

He adds he’s been bowled over by the response to the show.

“Horses had been a major part of Vic’s life from a very young age,” he says. “She was a very hard-working lady who always had time to help others. If she wasn’t spending time with her family, she would be out training with her horse Bobby.

“It has been overwhelming the support we have received, also the sponsorship of the classes from friends, colleagues and businesses she was involved with during her time as managing director of the family’s company Waitings Ltd.”

Heather says the list of donations is staggering.

“We asked friends if they would like to sponsor in Vic’s name and the response has been unbelievable. We have been promised amazing things both from big firms and from private individuals with holiday cottages, beauty treatments, days racing, lessons, stallion services and lots more.

“Some of the prizes offered were so valuable we came up with the idea of running an online silent auction both before and on the show days.”

Heather’s stalwart team of helpers includes Lorraine Strong, Alison Noble, Sam Sproat Rothwell, Jude Sproat, Sarah Dudley, Philippa Dawson Coates, Sarah Metcalf and Val Braithwaite as well as Stewart and several members of staff from Waitings Drainage. Judges from near and far have also promised their services for free.

“We have been working for months, gathering sponsors, judges, stewards, organising schedules, classes, rosettes, sashes and prizes,” adds Heather. “We’re also having a tombola, raffle and a cake stall, so any prizes would be gratefully received and can be dropped off either at Inglewood Equestrian Centre, Penrith, or Happy Hooves at Eamont Bridge.”

There is still one item outstanding on Heather’s wish list. “We are looking for the kind of unit used by car retailers at shows as a hospitality area where we can offer judges and sponsors a sit-down and a drink,” she explains. “So, if anyone knows of one, I would love to hear from them please.”


The show is being held on the weekend of April 21, 22 and 23 at Greenlands, Wreay.