Joyce Newbery had a passion for horses which was undimmed to the end
Riding school founder Joyce Newbery with her beloved pedigree Dartmoor ponies(Image: EXPRESS AND ECHO)
Hundreds of people are expected to bid farewell to a legendary Exeter riding school founder who has died. Joyce Newbery, owner of Oaklands Riding School, passed away recently and a celebration of her life will take place on Tuesday.
The hugely respected horsewoman and business owner was born and raised in Exeter and founded Oaklands in 1971. She went on to start the Newoak Stud with daughter Jacky and enjoyed great success breeding.
But for generations of people in Exeter she will be best remembered as the no-nonsense owner of Oaklands who taught them how to ride. She was renowned for her love and keen eye for horses and her passion and enthusiasm for equines was undimmed to the end.
Family and friends described her as a “true horsewoman”.
Joyce Newbery at the Oaklands Riding School(Image: Steven Haywood)
Joyce was the eldest of three children born into a farming family and attended St Wilfred’s school in Exeter. Her brother Tony later enjoyed great success in showjumping.
Her love of horses began as a child. She went to her first horse show aged seven and never lost the bug. She became a great judge of all animals with an uncanny ability pick out the best example of any breed or type.
She didn’t follow racing but on the rare occasion she did attend it was said she could pick the winner in each race beforehand just by watching them walk around the paddock.
Joyce started the riding school when she was 21 and over the years taught thousands of people. Oaklands became one of the biggest riding schools in the region and continues to thrive with more than 50 horses.
In the early 90s Joyce bought her first Dartmoor pony and started Newoak Stud – one of the leading Dartmoor and pony producing studs in the country. Newoak ponies have won at Horse of the Year Show, Royal Windsor and the Royal International.
Joyce’s passion for horses and ponies was unwavering. The night before her sudden passing she was still making plans for the future and what she wanted to do with her ponies.
Joyce Newbery of Oaklands Riding School in Exeter(Image: Oaklands Riding School)
Around 10 years ago Joyce welcomed Debbie to live with her, they had been friends for over 20 years before that. They enjoyed each other’s company and would regularly meet up with friends for meals out talking ponies throughout.
She also loved to drive, often making use of her HGV licence, and would drive herself to all the horse shows.
In later life Joyce grew to love her garden that she inherited from her mother Peggy.
Joyce was from the never sick or sorry generation and didn’t suffer fools lightly. But she would help anyone and had a wealth of friends far and wide.
Family and friends say her death has left a gaping hole in many people’s lives. “She touched so many and enjoyed so many friendships and every single person she met was through her beloved horses,” said daughter Jacky.
Legendary riding school founder Joyce Newbery from Exeter (Image: Kathryn Pearn)
“Some memories people have shared is how she was a true horsewoman, passing on her knowledge, but most of all how she taught them not only to ride but to swear.”
Joyce Newbery, the founder of Oaklands Riding School and Newoak Stud died on 5 May aged 74, following a short illness. She is survived by Jacky and Tony, and her two beloved miniature dachshunds.
A celebration of her life will take place on Tuesday June 10, at Oaklands in Balls Farm Road, Alphington.
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