Tributes Pour In for Warwickshire Farmer John Barnett, a Horse Lover

Warwickshire: John Barnett, a cherished farmer known for his love of horses, has passed away at the age of 92 after a brief illness. Born on April 7, 1932, at Mount Pleasant Farm, he dedicated his life to farming and equestrian pursuits. His family has been farming there since 1927, and they still do today.

From a young age, John was immersed in the world of horses, showing them alongside his father and brother. The Barnett family made a name for themselves by breeding thoroughbreds and hunters, achieving great success at various county shows.

John’s racing journey began with ponies and evolved into point-to-pointing, where he had notable horses like Hastener, who won the 1953 Coronation Cup. He also enjoyed success on the flat, with horses like Tecyllyn and Blaslynn making their mark.

In the 1980s, John’s son Andrew took to racing, and John continued to train horses even after Andrew’s retirement. He was also deeply involved in hunting, serving as a joint-master of the Warwickshire Hunt for many years.

John was well-known in the community, thanks to his farming background, and he loved judging shows during the summer. His last point-to-pointer, Catch Tammy, even transitioned to showing in retirement, showcasing John’s lifelong passion.

Farming was another love of John’s, and he enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow farmers. He was a hard worker, often milking cows before heading out to hunt or race.

John met his wife Audrey in school, and they married in 1958, settling at Fossebury Farm and raising three children. He lived there until his passing, surrounded by family. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, who will remember him fondly.

John’s funeral is set for Thursday, January 23, at St Mary the Virgin Church in Pillerton Hersey at 11 am.