Mike Hannigan, the British Display Pony Society (BSPS) steward, whose ring coverage used to be “no smile, no access”, died on 12 April, elderly 67.
Mike used to be born on 5 December 1956, in Flint, Michigan, USA. He used to be from a big circle of relatives, with 10 siblings. Mike got here to England, elderly 15.
Because the years handed, stewarding was a vital a part of Mike’s existence, and he in particular cherished being with the youngsters within the running hunter ring. He would calm them and fill them with self belief sooner than their trip and would at all times be readily available to assist out.
He would additionally actively inspire smiling. This used to be one thing that Mike knew used to be necessary, now not best to allay nerves sooner than a trip, however to domesticate positivity and friendliness, one thing he knew used to be necessary in existence amongst other people, now not only for pony competitions.
He put an indication at the outdoor of the gathering ring that learn, “No smile, no access!”
This sums him up completely. All the time upbeat, it doesn’t matter what the placement. Supportive, worrying and loving, whether or not to an animal, a kid and maximum no doubt to his circle of relatives.
Mike were a stalwart steward for the likes of the Nationwide Pony Society, the BSPS and the Northern Counties Ponies Affiliation at their more than a few displays over a few years and might be a great deal overlooked by way of them for his heat smile and presence.
He used to be recognized for his quiet authority, experience and willingness to assist out – in particular for the running hunter pony categories – which everybody knew that he a lot loved. Now not having Mike to assist one day will depart a large hole within the stewarding fraternity, and he’s going to be overlooked by way of many participants, judges, stewards and display officers alike.
Mike is survived by way of his spouse Jean Cartwright, his sons Steven and Gary, his grandchildren Megan and Harper, and nice granddaughter Orbery, and Jean’s kids Vanessa and George, and Jean’s grandchildren Benedict, Lauran, Alex and Georgie.
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