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Sep 12, 2024
In Memoriam: Lefreda Williams (1937-2024)
The USEA is saddened to report that horsewoman Lefreda Williams died on Aug. 29. She was 87.
Williams was a pillar of the North Carolina equestrian community and a founding member of the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, North Carolina.
Her legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the sport and community. For over 50 years, Williams dedicated her life to eventing and fox hunting. Her passion for the sport led her to become a horse trials organizer in 1970 and to serve on the USEA Board of Governors (formerly the USCTA) for 13 years.
She played a crucial role in shaping the Carolina Horse Park Foundation, where she served as vice president, president, and, most recently, as a dedicated director on the board. Her impact stretched far beyond her titles and accolades. She was named one of the 10 Most Influential People in Moore County in 2000, and her influence only grew with time.
From organizing the inaugural USEA American Eventing Championships to personally ensuring the cross-country courses were impeccably prepared, Williams never stopped giving back to the sport she loved. Those who knew her remember her as more than just a volunteer or competitor. She was a constant presence at the Carolina Horse Park, tending to every detail with care and dedication, from roping cross-country courses to leading caravans of jump judges, always with a smile on her face and her beloved dogs by her side.
Williams' contributions have been recognized by countless honors, including the prestigious USEA Governors Cup and the Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Award. Yet, beyond these accolades, her greatest legacy is the lasting impact she made on everyone around her—competitors, volunteers, and equestrian enthusiasts alike. Her tireless work and passion for the sport will continue to live on in the Carolina Horse Park and the hearts of those she touched. As we reflect on her incredible life, let us honor her by continuing the work she was so passionate about, ensuring that the horse, sport and community she cherished continue to thrive.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandra L. Williams; granddaughters, Lindsay S. Rose and Shannon C. Butler; and great-granddaughters, Caydence A. and Jocelyn H. Dick.
In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to one of Lefreda’s beloved local interests.
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Sponsor
“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
