United States Eventing Association

Philippa Kate Humphreys age 33, of Rockford, MI died tragically while competing in the CCI*** competition at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event on Saturday, May 14, 2016.

The daughter of John and Gill Richards, Philippa was born in Chester England on November 16, 1982. She sat on a pony for the first time when she was 2-years-old and was taking lessons by the time she was four. As a young rider, Philippa trained in England with Tuffy Tilley who helped to transform her from a horse-crazy young girl into a serious competitor.

In her second year at the University of Leeds, where she was studying to earn a degree in Physical Education, Philippa found a horse who pushed her riding to the next level. Woops A Daisy was an unbroken 6-year-old Irish Draft/Thoroughbred when Philippa first met her. After a bit of hard work, Philippa polished “Daisy,” and the pair eventually competed through the Intermediate level while in England.

In 2005 Philippa relocated to the United States to live with her then-fiancé, Peter Humphreys. With her husband’s support, Philippa and Peter eventually purchased the Rogue River Equestrian Center in Rockford, Mich., where Philippa based her business.

Philippa and Daisy in their Advanced debut at Richland Park. Photo courtesy of Liz Lund.

In 2007 Philippa made her Advanced level debut aboard Daisy at Richland Park, after which her career began to grow in stride. Philippa brought many more horses through the upper levels since then, and her own business grew to include countless loyal students and owners.

One of her students, Kate Dernocoeur, wrote this about Philippa on her website:

“We are lucky that Peter moved to West Michigan, thus luring Philippa to our beautiful end of the state. She has brought a new level of professionalism and experience to the Michigan horse world. She has helped many people leap above what they thought were their own limitations to higher levels of competition, but also to higher levels of enjoyment of the sport and the camaraderie it generates.”

Philippa surrounded by family and friends. Photo courtesy of Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Last November, Philippa gave birth to a daughter, Millie Elizabeth Humphreys, who was the joy of her life.

Philippa was an outstanding horseman, a loving wife and mother, a fierce competitor and a loyal friend.

She is survived by her loving husband Peter, daughter Millie, her parents John and Gill Richards, brother William (Libby) Richards, nephew James Richards, mother in law Angela Humphreys, brother in law David (Hannah) Humphreys, nephew Max and niece Madeline Humphreys and many other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday at 1pm at Thornapple Covenant Church 6595 Cascade Rd SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Millie's College Fund. Donations can be directed online here.