28/05/2026
Sadly, Joy Leggett, founder of the Arundel Riding Centre and a lifelong champion of equestrian sport and accessibility, passed away on 23/05/2026, aged 95. Known to most as Mrs Leggett, Joy leaves behind a legacy built on determination and an unwavering love of horses.
The funeral is on the 15th June at 11:00. St Nicholas Church - Arundel.
Traditional dress code.
Parking at the riding centre.
Gathering at the Arundel Riding Centre.
Born without an equestrian background, Joy discovered her passion early. As a child, she crafted jewellery in her spare time, which her father sold so she could pay for riding lessons. That early spark grew into a lifelong vocation. In 1960, with only two ponies and little financial support, she founded the Arundel Riding Centre.
She used her drive and hard work to start the centre from scratch and make it one of the most adored and one of the country’s oldest BHS-approved riding centres. In 1973, she oversaw the construction of the indoor arena—an uncommon and forward‑thinking addition at the time—which remains a key part of the centre today.
Joy was also a competitive rider and a dedicated horse breeder, raising five generations of horses beginning with her first mare, Betty Lou. Among her most enduring contributions was starting her 45‑year partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), offering people with disabilities the chance to experience the joy and freedom of riding. Her commitment to inclusivity and community touched countless lives.
Joy raised three children—Nichola, Jeremy, and Alison—each of whom inherited her passion for horses. Her youngest daughter, Alison, now runs the Arundel Riding Centre alongside Joy’s grandson, Rory. Joy was proud of her five grandchildren and their diverse paths: Rory, a riding coach; Rebecca, an opera singer; Holly, a stand‑up comedian; Ivan, a veterinarian; and Verity, an equine physiotherapist.
Courage, creativity, and a belief in building opportunities where none existed, defined Joy’s life. Her influence lives on in her family, her horses, and the thriving riding centre she created from nothing but determination and love.
Her family, friends, and the many riders whose lives she enriched will miss her dearly.
Please let us know if you have any particular memories with Joy. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t ridden with us for decades; we’d love to hear your stories.
Also, comment below if you’re planning on attending the funeral.
