The equestrian world lost a major benefactor with the unexpected death of Barbara Thomson in a tragic accident at Taupo on February 21.
The 75-year-old failed to return from a routine early morning fly fishing trip to the mouth of the Waitahanui Stream. Police divers found her body in the lake the next morning.
Widely recognised as a gifted equestrian photographer, Thomson honed her skills at horse events large and small, and as New Zealand eventers became competitive on the world stage, she travelled overseas to the big international events, gaining recognition world wide.
Attending World Equestrian Games and Olympic Games regularly from 1986, she had photographs published in top international magazines.
One of four sisters who grew up at Otamauri, west of Hastings, riding their ponies to school, Thomson was subsequently educated at St Matthews Collegiate School in Masterton.