We are saddened by the passing of Joy Claxton and wish to share a glimpse of her remarkable life, which brought immense joy to many. Much of Joy’s earlier carriage driving journey was spent alongside the Mossman family, and you may have heard in earlier podcasts with the Mossman girls, Pat Cook and Christine Dick, about her invaluable role in managing the Mossmans’ yard behind the scenes. Her unwavering standards, work ethic and deep knowledge accompanied her everywhere, from BDS and RDA Driving, to film sets and among all those she encountered who shared an interest in horses and driving.

Joy generously imparted her wisdom during conversations at shows, often seated comfortably as she watched turnouts go by, her eyes sparkling with keen observation. Her attention to detail seldom missed a thing, yet her gentle and considerate approach always sought to understand circumstances.

She embodied traditional values, insisting on proper presentation, well-trained horses, clean harnesses and tidy vehicles. This commitment to excellence was evident in the RDA Driving groups she mentored, whose proficiency reflected her influence.

Creatively gifted, Joy expressed herself through art and writing, producing exquisite pictures—mostly related to carriage driving or a variety of dogs and Dalmatians, another passion of hers. Her evocative writing conveyed her love for ponies and animals, offering many their first encounters with this world. Her illustrations inspired countless others to try for themselves; with her paintbrush she brilliantly captured the mischievous spirit of ponies, the elegance of carriages and the sheer enjoyment of driving. For years, she had a small stall at shows selling her paintings and drawings, which garnered admiration from a diverse array of visitors.

My final meeting with Joy was at the Tandem Club Meet in Margate, not far from her previous home before she moved into care. She enjoyed the event, the company and the tea, sharing stories and insights with those around her. Many later remarked on how intriguing and kind she was to share her experiences.

For those fortunate enough to know Joy, it was a privilege—a unique opportunity to learn simply by listening. Numerous groups and disciplines, including the British Driving Society, Donkey Society, Riding for Disabled Carriage Driving, British Carriage Dogs Society, and Sander Watney Trust (to name just a few), owe her a debt of gratitude.