There is a hole in my world, and an ache in my heart on learning of the death, at the age of 86, of Margaret McIver. Marg was one of the trailblazers of equestrian sport, and like so many of her era, she competed across the disciplines, in showjumping, eventing and dressage. But it was in dressage that she made her mark, becoming the first Australian to represent her country at an Olympic Games, in Los Angeles in 1984, riding the Australian Thoroughbred, CK, bred by her neighbours – and fellow pioneers of dressage – ‘M’, Margaret and Colin Kelly (hence the CK).
Margaret McIver and CK
After the Games, Marg had a distinguished career as a judge, coach and mentor to many many Australian riders. But I remember her best as a friend, and it was a somewhat odd friendship that began when her late husband, Ken, was hospitalised with cancer in the late 90’s. Roz Neave, herself a cancer survivor, and I visited Ken in hospital, and the friendship began, an odd friendship since Ken was very much of the Western District establishment, while I was fresh from radical politics and the haze of the counter culture. Still the four of us had many a pleasant hour, lubricated by good Hunter red, in the Rum Corps, the nearest accommodation to the Sydney CDI at the time.
Marg McIver was one of those people who makes your day feel better just meeting her. For a very small woman, she had a huge presence: a warmth, a grace, and a shrewd intelligence – she also had an exceptional eye for what was, and was not, correct dressage.
Sad then, but the sadness is mitigated in some small part by the statement posted by her family that, ‘she passed quickly, peacefully and surrounded by love’.
I trust that when the dark days of covid retreat, she will be suitably memorialised, but in the meantime, she lives in so many hearts.
– CH
Thankyou so much Chris. Very well said and we will certainly have a glass of red to remember Marg when this is all over.
Much love Moya Jess
This is a beautiful piece about Marg. She certainly was someone special and I am blessed that she was my friend. What fun we had on the VDC Committee. The meetings, with dinner, were a joy to attend. With Love, Carol Simpson
Lovely words about Marg. While my daughter was not taught by Marg herself she was taught by one of Marg’s exceptional students Caitlin Scott. We are so lucky that this trailblazing sportswoman was happy to share her knowledge with others, and that it will live on in students of her students for many years to come. Thinking of Marg’s friends and family at this time. Rowena Lynch
Great words for a great lady, I have felt like part of the McIver Clan for many years ( over 45) and still and always will be, a special group of people, RIP Marg,
Tony Schott❤🐎
Very sad to hear of Marg’s passing she will be missed in the equestrian world RIP Marg
Great summary Chris of Marg, a genteel lady. So knowledgeable, but modest, an admirable characteristic of athletes of former times.
Love & respect, Carolyn Earl