23 August 2022
In Memoriam: Jack D. Pemberton 1923 – 2022
Jack D. Pemberton, a true gentleman and a well-known and greatly respected member of the Driving community, sadly passed away on 16 August 2022, at the age of 99.Jack was a leader who always delighted in sharing his knowledge. Jack competed against and became friends with royalty, but anyone involved in the sport, whether they were beginners or elite drivers, enjoyed his friendship and help. More than 20 equine-related organizations benefited from his involvement over the years.
Throughout his career, Pemberton was an influential character who dedicated his time and energy to the development of equestrian sport in Canada, especially when it comes to Driving, where one of his first endeavours was the creation of the Carriage Association of America in 1960. Since 1968 he has been actively involved with of the FEI in various different roles such as Driving Judge and Chair of the FEI Driving Committee from 1995-2003. He was also a very much appreciated FEI Bureau member during the administration of former FEI President H.R.H. the Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbòn, and honorary member of the FEI Board since 2004.
Jack was the last person alive who was on the original committee that formulated the rules for combined driving, when Prince Phillip was President of the FEI.
Pemberton was awarded the prestigious Equine Canada Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 for his exceptional contribution and commitment to the Canadian Equestrian industry.
Other organizations that would not have been the same without him are the Ontario Equine Research Center in Guelph and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. He was involved with establishing the Ontario Equine Research Center in 1981, and later served as a chairman of the Center’s Advisory Committee for six years.
His involvement with the Royal began in 1964, when he started competing in the coaching class. He became a director in 1974, and served as the Royal’s president in 1975, as well as from 1978 through 1979.
“The FEI Driving community lost a real friend and horseman. Jack was an iconic person, not only for Driving, but for the whole equestrian sport. We will sadly miss him”, Chair of the FEI Driving Committee Károly Fugli said.
The Hoefnet Team expresses its sincere condolences to Jack D. Pemberton’s family and friends.
Source: Hoefnet/FEI/Nancy Jaffer
Jack Pemberton at the World Equestrian games in Kentucky 2010
Photo: Rinaldo de Craen
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