It will be hard for those of us who knew her to imagine the dressage scene without her.  So accustomed are we to the passion, the drive, the determination and the enormous effort Anne gave to her chosen sport.

Anne’s views on the sport of dressage were held with conviction and asserted with vigour.  There was never any doubt about where you stood in her estimation; she was overwhelmingly kind when the chips were down, but uncompromising in both her judging and competition career.

The horse passion began for Anne in Grafton, NSW.  Riding bareback as a three year old she graduated to riding horses on the track for the local trainers.  Dressage was unknown to her until after the birth of both John and Philippa but it caught her imagination and after hunting in America she returned to Australia and family life in Kellyville. 

The demands of family life - Samantha and Charlie were born on her return - would have quelled the enthusiasm of many riders, but not Anne.  Her first really successful dressage horse was Germaine, bred from a lovely bay mare Petrarch and trained by Anne to Prix St. George.  Then came King’s Creighton, another Petrarch progeny, he made Grand Prix.  Those who saw will never forget watching King’s Creighton buck his socks off in the stables at Castle Hill showground,  then passage over the green turf for Anne to challenge Caroline Lieutenant and Judy Dierks for the Grand Prix crown.

Sydney Symphony was a delicate thoroughbred and failed racehorse bought as a youngster for Philippa, who soon headed off for university life. Nicknamed “Bozo” for his occasional lack of intelligence, he and Anne were the reserve combination for the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm in 1990.  Representing Australia at Goodwood, UK and Arnhem in Holland were cherished as competition highs but the frustration of never having a horse with quite the quality needed was an ongoing challenge. 

In more recent years Anne successfully bred a number of dressage horses by her handsome and gentlemanly imported Warmblood stallion Ixion.  Sadly Ixion had to retire from dressage when he was just about to step up to Grand Prix competition, however his kindly temperament and physical talent gave Anne much joy.

Anne, shared her knowledge and expertise unstintingly.  She taught at all levels of the sport from riders having their first experience of dressage in pony club or riding clubs to those who were seeking to achieve the highest level.  She was proud of her reputation as a discerning critic and often puzzled about people’s reaction to what she considered ‘creative criticism’. 

John, Philippa, Samantha and Charlie were her pride and delight.  All professional people in their own right, she has produced wonderful characters who mirror her determination and humanity. 

Sharing the grief and loneliness of her recent illness was not Anne’s way and she confided in very few.  Her friend Vicki Tominello, and Anne’s children, shared what would otherwise have been a solitary journey.  Those of us who loved and enjoyed Anne are very grateful to all of them. 

Anne Honner was a character of great complexity, her belief was in striving for the highest possible goal.  Her energy and determination was truly inspiring and her love for her friends and colleagues was loyal and substantial. 

Judy Fasher is an old friend of Anne’s.