According to a report by the Caledon Enterprise, Susan “Sue” Grange passed away on Thursday, Oct. 19 at the age of 63. A legendary equestrian icon and former grand prix rider, Grange owned and bred some of Canada’s most recognized horses in show-jumping and racing.
In 1974, Grange purchased Lothlorien Farm located on 500 acres, in Cheltenham, Ont. The farm hosted the “Cheltenham Gold Cup Horse Show” for twelve years (1977-1989) which featured the World Cup Qualifier and boasted riders from all across the continent. Grange managed the property as her private barn, with three professionals renting out one of the barns for boarding over the years before eventually turning to a completely private facility. Together with her husband John and daughter Ariel, Lothlorien Farm has become a distinguished business with over 30 years of breeding experience, producing top grand prix mounts. Lothlorien also possesses a winter-base in Wellington, Florida, appropriately named Lothlorien South.
For over two decades, the farm has significantly supported the Canadian Equestrian Team and Canadian grand prix rider Ian Millar. Representing his home country, Millar rode Lothlorien Farm’s In Style to four Nations Cup wins and team silver in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Millar has also been successful with his current Lothlorien mount, Dixson, claiming an impressive win in the $1.5 Million CP International, presented by Rolex at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament CSIO 5* in 2014.
Lothlorien Farm horses also brought success to Irish riders Conor Swail and Daniel Coyle. Swail rode Lansdowne to win the Longines Trophy of La Coruna before parting ways in 2016. The Grange’s Holsteiner mare Cita was first partnered with Swail and the pair captured several CSI4* grand prix wins. Coyle took over the reins at the beginning of 2017 and has had continued success, winning at the 5* level at Spruce Meadows, where Coyle also captured a 5* win with Ridley. A product of Susan Grange’s breeding program at Lothlorien Farm, Ridley started with Yann Candele of Canada, supported by Grange, where he was crowned the Five-Year-Old National Champion in the $51,000 Jump Canada Young Horse Series National Finals at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament.
Grange’s work breeding renowned horses and supporting grand prix talent was twice rewarded with Jump Canada’s Owner Of The Year title in 2005 and 2008. She will be remembered by her generous contributions to the equestrian community as a whole.
She leaves behind her husband, John, and four children Tyler, Dylan, Brennan, and Ariel.