Memories of Eleanor, September 10th, 1986 – November 17th 2007,
just a few of the hundreds of memories shared with us.
Kim Schmidt,
Grayson Farm, Dressage rider, Eleanor’s first riding teacher and Pony Club DC
I was, by a quirk of fate, the one to give Eleanor her start in riding. Being her first riding instructor
and first pony club DC, I guess that made me her first riding mentor. It was an honor to have that
relationship with Eleanor.
I will fondly remember those summers Eleanor was a working student for me. She filled the barn
with sunshine. I don’t know how else to put it. It was of course partly due to her positive, upbeat
personality. But it was more than that. She always arrived early to the barn to begin her chores. The
barn was always spotless, the tack gleaming and all lined up neatly in a row. She would finish her
chores and cheerfully be asking for more to do. Horses to groom? Manes to pull? Baths to be done?
Her energy simply bubbled over in her enthusiasm. She took her grooming job very seriously yet
never lost her playful side. What ajoy she was to have around. And such a wonderful mentor for the
younger kids in the barn.
I always thought of Eleanor as a helium balloon. There was no keeping her down or holding her
back. When Eleanor set a goal, by God she was going to reach it! Nobody worked harder than
Eleanor or had more perseverance. But she managed to still always be positive and always managed
to find the silver lining if things weren’t going as she would have wished. I have never known
anyone who loved her life more and lived her life more.
I feel honored to have given Eleanor that little start to her riding career. I don’t think many people
realize that Eleanor had her first “up-down” and “stop and go” lesson with me when she was 12
years old. The fact that in 5 years, at age 17 she was competing advanced, and winning area 2
championship, then at 18 at Badminton, arguably the most prestigious event in the world is more
than amazing! But then, this is Eleanor we are talking about, so I guess we were not totally
surprised.
To me, Eleanor was the embodiment of determination, drive and single mindedness, but also of joy,
fun and fearless abandon. What a truly special and unique person was your daughter. I will never
forget how she lit up my barn and her laughter still echoes there. I hope it will for always.
Rebecca (becks) Dobson
Eleanor’s groom Bramham, Blenheim, Badminton
now training as a patent attorney.
Her future was so promising and things were obviously really starting to happen. But, as you say, it's the
personality that will live on in our hearts and minds. I will miss her enormously; the beaming, bubbly
personality who even on the darkest, crappiest day could make you laugh, the gutsy determination to get the
job done and do it well and some very amusing facebook entries! I feel privileged to have known her and
what a true credit to you as a fine, lovely daughter.
Nura Yingling High School Teacher
Eleanor's service was beautiful. As I have, ever since hearing the terrible
news of her death, I felt her very near today while words, music, and silence
honored the truth and passion of her life.
I am one of a number of her teachers who loved her. She inspired me and so
many, many of us at Tandem Friends. I will never forget the joy of teaching
her, especially when we worked on her writing. No one I have taught in these
many years was as powerful in her desire to learn as Eleanor. She took great
joy in understanding something for the first time. I said to Jeremy Schildcrout
(who came to the funeral today with me and who was Eleanor's English teacher
just after I was) that, knowing how high school was not Eleanor's primary focus
and that some schoolwork did not come easily to her, it is remarkable that she
was consistently so THANKFUL to me simply because I taught her.
I will always remember too the day she arrived at school with her face battered
and bruised and how she shrugged off my expressions of concern with deep and
bubbling laughter- knowing what I did not, that such consequences came with the
territory of the sport she loved, that she seemed born to.
I loved your beautiful daughter as a teacher can love the student who teaches
more than she learns and fills the air around her with ALIVENESS and delight.
Cornelia Morrow fellow middle schooler
It has been many years since I
yet her presence remains fresh
generous, quiet spirit who was
was obviously very talented in
whatever else she put her mind
have seen Eleanor (middle school at St.Anne's)
in my memory. I remember her as a loving,
always friendly and willing to help others. She
horseback riding, literature and theater and
to.
Digneys
We have enjoyed reading the wonderful memories about Eleanor posted in so many
places. She was truly an amazing young lady. I was so impressed with how
Eleanor was with Emily at her C2 restest. So reassuring and postive all the
while talking Em through her nervousness. Afterwards Emily asked if she could
take some lessons from Eleanor when she got home from Florida. We looked
forward to watching and cheering her.
Cheryl Schnelle Former DC Mountain Skyline Pony Club
It is with a grieving heart that I send this e-mail. We are just devastated by the news of Eleanor's death. So
young, so full of life. I use her as a measuring stick for all my French Creek pony clubbers in the realm of
horse management. Of all the picture's on the web and images I have of her, the one that stands out and will
always stick in my mind is the one you have of her dated 2000 at the halloween costume contest. I LOVE that
picture of her and Izzy. Such happy times!
Of course where is Eleanor now, fulling that dream of hers...galloping along with her best friend Bailey!
Hollyn Mangione, owner of a Pony Eleanor and Isabel trained for eventing
I just heard the news today. And my heart is breaking. I know you are beside yourself with grief, but
please know that there are many of us grieving with you. She was such a bright light in our sport.
She will sorely be missed as a horsewoman and as a lovely young woman.
Lorna Jowett, Baileys Horse feeds
(sponsors)
I was very privileged to have known Eleanor.
I had such admiration for her
dedication and being so focused on what she wanted for her horses and herself.
She had a lovely attitude to life, positive, great maturity and cheerful,
Eleanor also conducted herself in a professional manner.
Charlotte Row, Godmother
I had seen her a couple of weeks before she moved back to US, but I learnt about what she
was doing from her website, but she was always good at that stuff. I remember being
totally shocked when I visited you in 2000 or 2001 she was maybe 14 or so and she had
already created a website for fun to put photos of herself and her friends riding and to
exchange news. This was long before the era of facebook etc. I remember being so
impressed that she knew how to do it. She thought that was funny.
Raleigh Maupin from Tandem, fellow high schooler
I was in her grade at Tandem. I will never forget her positive,
bubbly personality and that could bring a smile to anyone’s face.
She loved Cadburys chocolate. I had to chuckle inside because I
remember clearly how she raved about them. One day in Pru’s art
room, I argued that Lindt was far better! What’s funny is that
throughout my years in college, I’ve come to favor Cadburys over
Lindt so I think Eleanor would be proud of me. I’ll always think
of her when I see anything Cadbury or whenever anyone talks as fast
as she did. My mother was a teacher at Tandem and remembers what
an amazing individual Eleanor was, and how her personality was
contagious.
Pru Huddleston
“the weaver of the world is gone” but her laughter lingers on in the art rooms. Many is the time
someone in my class would ask, “what is going on back there?” To the peals of laugher emanating
from the weaving room. More than once, I would realize that my class was considerably smaller
than it started out …. Students had migrated to where the fun was……In addition to her impact in
the horse world, such a delightful being, who so generously gave of her cheer and good will, has left
her mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Karen Di Lorenzo, zipper’s vet
I will always remember Eleanor, I remember the first time your children came in here = we thought
they were the cutest, accent aside. Watching Eleanor grow up into the strong, bright and happy
talented young woman she became was wonderful.
Anna Magee (her dermatologist)
Eleanor was a wonderful young woman … she struck me as someone who loved life and the people
in her life. She had an air of happiness abut her that I enjoyed tremendously she had a sense of
charm and good humour.
Pinkie (Jeni Masefield (godmother’s friend) Eleanor was such a lovely girl, so pretty, lively,
giggly and noisy!
Parent’s of & riding students:
Pam French
Eleanor was so special she taught us so much while she was here. She showed us that anything is
possible if you follow your heart and work hard. …the shining star she was. You can be proud of
who she was. She was the selfless woman who came home to help her family. Her goodness and
zest for life I think even outshined her accomplishments at Badminton. Eleanor touched so many
people in all kinds of ways we feel privileged to have known her.
Mountseys
I know Eleanor made her mark at a young age in the equestrian world and gave so much and
hundreds of people will miss her.
Aunt Jean (her great Aunt)
I well remember the occasion when we were together in Beverley just a few years ago, and how
much I enjoyed her company. She was so vital, so full of enthusiasm, so interesting to talk to and
listen to. Etched on my mind forever will be her recitation, word-perfect of the poem – is it W.H.
Auden? - Stop all the clocks…
Chronicle of Horse posters who had met Eleanor:
flyingchange
Working Hunter
Join Date: Dec. 18, 2003
Posts: 895
I don't know how to adequately express my sadness. I remember when Eleanor competed
Badminton - an eventing friend and horse vet showed me an article in the Virginia Horse
Journal about how this incredible 17 year old young lady had competed Badminton on a horse
that she had produced herself. We were both so truely amazed and inspired by her.
This is a true tragedy for eventing and I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved, brave,
and brilliant Eleanor.
Nov. 19, 2007, 09:16 AM
Skursar
Training Level
Join Date: Feb. 7, 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 11
Clarifying some necessary points ...
I never met Eleanor, and sadly never saw her ride until Saturday.
I was visiting Ocala and as an eventer, could not resist the lure of XC day. Dragging my nonriding parents and husband we settled in to watch. I was struck by how competent a team
Eleanor and Barney were -- tackling the course easily.
It's because I was positioned next to the take-off side of the table and saw her come up the hill
that I have to refute much of what has been erroneously printed and sadly posted.
Barney did not stumble or refuse. I've read posts that make it sound like he didn't try - which
just is NOT true. He and Eleanor both tried to clear that obstacle.
I'm deeply saddened that there is a need to find immediate blame and speculate when all the
facts are not available. I personally see it as dishonoring the memory of two great talents.
Accidents are rarely caused by one thing, but usually a number of conditions exist. Should it be
examined to see if anything can be done to prevent accidents of this nature - absolutely. But
let's leave that to those who have all the facts.
For us, let's honor and celebrate the life of a beautiful passionate woman and her handsome
partner. Thanks to those that have shared their personal memories of her here. God Bless
her family and friends who continue to share her light.
annikak
Advanced
Premium Member
Join Date: Dec. 8, 2002
Location: MI and NCPosts: 2,093
UnrealI met her this summer at an ICP clinic at Festival. She was TALENTED and Kind and a great
rider and instructor. She was the most promising person in the group, (Level II and III) and
really understood her horses.
So very sad. And I have to say, what I saw of her was indeed, she was honestly at the level.
Such a bright young woman.
So sad...
__________________Annika K
I was lucky enough to meet your daughter this past summer at USPC Festival. She was a
bright, beautiful, talented young woman. She impressed all of us with her talents both as a
rider, and as a trainer of riders. Not only has Eventing lost a lovely person, but the world as
well.
IFG
Advanced
Join Date: Dec. 6, 2000
Location: SE Mass
Posts: 1,476
I remember when Eleanor used to post here as TopBritYR. Her posts were always fun to read.
She was intelligent, articulate, and respectful. She spoke of her hopes for her career. She
seems to have achieved most of the goals that she had set forth for herself. You should be very
proud of her.
roslyn1
Greenie
Join Date: Nov. 21, 2007
Posts: 1
For Eleanor (posted on behalf of Anne Riley)
Our family moved here to Virginia in the late summer of 2000 and met the Brennan family
through Mountain Skyline Pony Club. I will always remember meeting Eleanor for the first time
and she told me how much she was enjoying eventing Bailey at the novice level, she was so
exuberant about the sport.
My daughter Liz and I followed her career both here and then in England and I was actually at
Badminton's final start of "A" wishing Eleanor and Bailey Good Luck. We ran over to XC and
watched as much as possible - THEY WERE AMAZING.
I had always presumed that Eleanor had begun to ride in England when she was growing up.
She had grown up in the outskirts of London with her family, but it wasn't until she moved from
London. UK at the age of 12 that she began to ride here in Virginia. I just wonder how many
people began riding at the age of 12 and completed Badminton at 17. This young lady
accomplished so much in her too short life of 21 years.
God Bless you Eleanor, Bailey, Barney and keep riding up in heaven.
Nov. 21, 2007, 12:39 PM
BelladonnaLily
Grand Prix
Join Date: Jan. 15, 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts
It just dawned on me that Eleanor was the cute British kid I remember seeing ride at Grayson
Farm years ago. We lived in the Scottsville area for about 8 years and my husband refreshed
my memory about who the Brennans were. I sent a mare to Grayson for training for a very
short time and remember Eleanor and I believe her sister riding there. This would have been
back in '97 or '98 and if memory serves me, they hadn't been riding long. What tremendous
talent Eleanor must have had to have gone so far, so fast. It seems she lived a very full life in
a short time.
3 dazey
I only "knew" Eleanor through her posts on this bb, but it was always evident how keen she
was on the sport, how ready to learn and to share what she had learned.
Alot of us followed her progress with Bailey, and as she prepared for her first 3-day, it was fun
to share in her excitement and anticipation.
She introduced alot of us to Somerset Saddlery, where I ended up spending $$$, but what
great bargains! I also bought a set of those weird ice/gel boots based on her recommendation.
They did work really well!
When I saw that she & Bailey were shipping out for the UK, I was thrilled for her. Badminton,
what an achievement! And all from this little girl we first met on the Chronicle bb.
Eleanor, I did not ever meet you properly, but enjoyed knowing you nonetheless.
To your family, I am so sorry. You will be in my constant thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss- and my prayers are with you all.
#64
#61
Nov. 18, 2007, 01:24 AM
yventer
Working Hunter
Premium Member
Join Date: Jun. 23, 2003
Location: Berryville, VA
Posts: 155
Eleanor
I was at Virginia Horse Center when I heard the news. It is devastating to *so* many people on
a lot of levels. To whoever is listening: We will miss Eleanor greatly! She was wonderful and
kind, so please grant her the heaven full of horses that she deserves!
Very sad,
Yvonne_________________
Yvonne Lucas
Red Moon Farm
redmoonfarm.com
Nov. 18, 2007, 05:41 AM
Bossanova
Training Level
Posts: 22
Join Date: Sep. 2, 2006
Shocking.
Lovely girl, talented rider and will be sadly missed here in England too
RAyers
Grand Prix
Join Date: Jul. 10, 2001
Location: Golden
Posts: 2,792
Badminton is a **** this was a **. In other words she had to run multiple CCI** before she
even got to Badminton. She was well BEYOND qualified to run at this level. She ran Advanced,
this was Intermediate.
I am very sorry for the accident. I have seen this types of incidents before and hearing this
makes me just sad. My prayers go out to all.
Reed
Event4Life
Working Hunter
Join Date: Nov. 13, 2005
Location: horsey country VA, and middle of nowhere PA
Posts: 329
Eleanor introduced me to horses. The first horse I ever rode was her first horse, Cadbury, at
Grayson Farm. Her parents convinced my parents that I should start riding after that one ride,
and eventually calmed them down about the crazy horse owning world. I feel like I owe such a
huge part of my life to Eleanor...and breaking this news to my parents was the hardest thing
I've ever had to do in my life. Prayers and condolences to the Brennan family. Eleanor, may
you Rest In Peace with Bailey and Barnobus.
Thank you, Huxley for posting that...I really couldn't find the words
pwynnnorman
Schoolmaster
Join Date: May. 6, 1999
Location: Ocala, FL
Posts: 7,402
Clearly, Eleanor touched many of our lives. I didn't know her well, but I recognized her strength
and determination even in the short time I interacted with her. And I know she appreciated the
support of her friends and her mother, who I also found inspiring in her confidence and
sincerity and I extend to her in particular my sincerest condolences. Eleanor purchased a
paternal half-brother to Teddy from me--long before Teddy was "Teddy." She saw him on
videotape, greenly jumping around a little jumper course at show and responded with no ifsands-or-buts about working through the purchase. She knew what she wanted to do, what she
needed to do it, and what it would take. I found her a very prepared young woman who
thought ahead, not back. Godspeed, Eleanor.
Robby Johnson
Schoolmaster
Join Date: Sep. 7, 1999
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Posts: 10,586
Positively heartbroken
I only met Eleanor once, at Rolex probably in 2004, and was struck at how shy and quiet she
was compared to her posts on the BB and the email exchanges we used to share. She was also
my friend on FB and I was so happy to see that she'd progressed and done so much with her
life and riding.
This is positively a punch in the gut and my heart is breaking for her parents, family, friends,
and mostly for her.
__________________
Nov. 19, 2007, 01:48 PM
La Gringa
Advanced
Join Date: Jan. 6, 2006
Location: Middleburg, VA
Posts: 2,154
Being horsepeople, we all know the risks of the sport we love. It doesn't stop us, and it never
will. I hope that when my time comes, that I go doing something I love as much as Eleanor did
eventing. She was so young and at the top of her sport, and will always be remembered as
such.
My brother lost his life as a young age too.. what helps me deal with it is to remember that he
was young and in the peak of his life, enjoying it.
Nobody can explain tragedies like this, they happen everyday. They are never easy. At least the
family and friends of this talented rider has all the support from everyone on this board and
throughout the horse community. We all have known tragedy like this if you have been in the
sport long enough.. it happens.. and we must carry on in their memory.
I always remember people like this, after tragedies happen. In a way, they become a part of
me and my thoughts forever. I just hope that the family can find some peace through knowing
that, their daughter will be remembered by many forever.
__________________
Quote:
POOMBA DESIGN (Erica)
Originally Posted by cottagefarm
It is very true that we all take things very much for granted.
Lets all on this week of Thanks Giving make sure we let our loved ones ( and critters) know
how much we appreciate them , for everything can change in the blink of an eye.
I have been wanting to post, but not really sure what to say, but I think that quote directly
addresses what I've been feeling these past few days...
Eleanor and I were inseperable in high school. She was the closest friend I had, and I have not
experienced another friendship quite like it since. We were the two crazy horse girls whom
everyone loved to joke with due to our strange passion and past-time. The top event riders
were our idols. I swear, every free moment we had at school, we were on the computers either
looking at event results, browsing pictures, or posting on this message board. While our peers
were partying on the weekends, we were off competing at events or participating in some other
horse-related activity.
After high school, Eleanor followed her riding career back to England and I packed off for
college, leaving the horse stuff behind in pusuit of other interests. Her and I stayed in touch,
but we definitely started growing slowly apart as our lives took us in different directions.
However, we could laugh and joke and carry on like we'd never missed a beat the times we
were able to spend together. We'd seen each other a few times since she'd moved back to the
States, but our busy schedules never really allowed anything more than brief get-togethers. We
both promised each other that we'd hang out to catch up, but that kept getting pushed back as
weekends quickly filled up.
I guess basically what I'm meaning to say is don't let whatever you perceive to be the "busyness" of life stand in the way of showing others how much you care for them. It's easy to take
for granted the fact that someone will be there tomorrow and your plans can hold off for later,
but you never know when they're just not going to be there anymore. I'm realizing now that, "I
can't this weekend, I've got XYZ..." really wasn't a good excuse. Life truly is precious and we
should be thankful for each and every day we have with those we love.
I spoke on the phone tonight with another old friend who was also very close with Eleanor, but
whom I hadn't spoken with since high school. I realized in talking to her that it really is hard to
think about the person Eleanor was without smiling. Although we are all deeply sadden by this
tragedy, it is comforting in a way to look back and see what an amazing life she has lived. She
was so bubbly, energetic, and such an inspiration to so many people. The two of us were
laughing through our tears as we remembered the fun times we'd all experienced together and
how the room became such a brighter place as soon as Eleanor walked in. The memories I have
of her are filled with laughter, joy, and living life to the utmost, doing what she was truly
passionate about.
I am overwhelmed at the support expressed here within the eventing community. I had
forgotten what a tight-knit community it, in fact, is and how both the tradgies and successes
experienced by a fellow rider are felt by all. Thank you.
Erica
MEll’s Mom
Location: charlottesville, Va
Posts: 2,025
For those who could not attend her service Friday
It was absolutely beautiful. Despite it being a cold and windy day, the turnout was amazing.
The chursh was full as expected and Plain Dealing Farm had arranged for a tent with a
widescreen TV and speakers for the rest of us. Not only was every seat in the tent taken, there
were friends standing in the back of and outside the tent. It was amazing to see so much
support for the family. I know they will need it in the coming months. Her mother gave an
absolutely stirring speech about Eleanor and did a beautiful job of capturing her spirit and
sharing it with us. It really left me feeling so much more privelidged to have known her and her
amazing family. The most beautiful thing they did was arrange for her horse and dog to be
there for the internment and to watch over her. Incredibly touching and so very much what any
and all of us would want. While it was a very difficult day, I think that Eleanor's determination
and joyful appreciation of life should serve to guide the rest of us along life's paths. Work hard,
but don't forget to laugh and love along the way. Find beauty everywhere and be sure to hug
your friends hard and often.
__________________