DAWN PALETHORPE TO MARRY

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28479, 8 January 1958, Page 2

DAWN PALETHORPE TO MARRY

Britain May Lose Gaines Prospect [By SUSAN _ VAUGHANI \ Although she has no intention’ of giving up show jumping after her marriage next spring, therw are serious doubts whether Dawn Palethorpe will be able to continue representing Britain in international competitions. Now aged 21, she is engaged to an American show jumper, Mr Warren Wofford, and expects to settle eventually in the United States. If she takes American nationality she cannot rule for Britain. This possibility is troubling the British Show Jumping Association, for in the last three years Miss Palethorpe has emerged as their brightest Olympic prospect. Her success story began in 1954 when she made her first big jump to fame by becoming the Show Jumper of the Year at the Harringay Horse of the Year Show. Now her trophies include the coveted Harringay Spurs, for the rider with the greatest number of international points, and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup which she won two years running. On the Farm *

Miss Palethorpe lives on her parents’ farm near Kidderminster She and her sister Jill—now married to a racehorse trainer, Peter Ward—started riding almost before they could walk. They had their first ponies at the age of two. Dawn, whose other recreation is piano-playing, is completely unspoilt by her success. She is easy to spot among competitors. After each jump-off, while still in the saddle, she gives her horse a lump of sugaY and an affectionate pat.

The morning after she has been feted for some spectacular win you will find her in jumper and jeans, grooming her horse or carrying a pail of water to the stables.