The showing world has paid tribute to one of its best-loved and respected supporters. Ghita Jago passed away peacefully in hospital this month, surrounded by six of her eight children, aged 95. A matriarch of the showing community, she loved looking after the scores of children who competed for her over the years — many of whom have gone on to enjoy hugely successful equestrian careers of their own.
Tiny Clapham, Chloe Chubb, Nicola Baldwin, Louisa Gordon Lennox, Sam Roberts, Joseph Thurston, and Shelly Dixon are just some of the riders who wore her colors over the years. Mrs. Jago’s first taste of a major showing championship came when her 13.2hh Scrace Of Oakley, produced by Pat Wood, finished second at the Royal International at Wembley.
She and her daughter, Penny Carvosso, formed a fantastic partnership to produce ponies from their Sussex base and won numerous titles at the Royal International, Royal Windsor, and Horse of the Year Show to name a few. They were particularly successful in the 12.2hh classes at the Royal International, including winning three years on the bounce with three different ponies — Courtway Actress, Cusop Junior, and Chinook Happy Talk.
Knight Errant, Rotherwood Peep O’Day, Cusop Crystal Clear, Paxford Bright, and Breezy were among Mrs. Jago’s other great winners. Mrs. Jago remained active and totally involved in the sport until the end, remaining in charge of feeding the ponies and continuing to attend shows until three weeks before she died.
