During her career, Courtney worked on a number of studs throughout Victoria's North East, including Collingrove Stud, Swettenham Stud, Princess Park, Basinghall Farm and Gilgai, and more recently at Lindsay Park Racing.
She was also a valuable member of the North East Thoroughbreds committee and
was a talented and accomplished equestrian rider through her years at Seymour
Pony Club and North Eastern Riding Club.Courtney Horwood grew up with thoroughbred blood running in her veins. The daughter of Ian and Kerri Horwood, she spent many years at Adam Sangster's historic Collingrove Stud where Ian was Stud Master.
Swettenham's Adam Sangster remembers Courtney with the fondest of memories and recalls that she was an enthusiastic, vibrant, skilled, hard-working and much-loved member of the Collingrove and later Swettenham team.
"Courtney was a shining light that will be dearly missed and loved by all in the Victorian and particularly the North-east thoroughbred breeding industry," he said.
"From our point of view, we watched her grow up. From Collingrove's beginnings in 1995, she was part of the fabric and we loved seeing her passion and enthusiasm grow and develop over the years along with her skill and competency.
"It is a terribly sad time for her family, friends and many past colleagues. We were all privileged to know her and work alongside of her. She was a wonderful person, on every level," Sangster said.
"Her mother Kerri looked after the immortal Rory's Jester for us, and no doubt Courtney will be up there now giving him a pat and cuddle."
Through their mutual dedication to North East Thoroughbreds, Hollylodge's Christine Mills also remembers Courtney's beautiful smile and love of horses.
"She showed such strength and courage in the face of adversity. We will miss her in the North East horse community and the memory of her will live on in our hearts," Christine said on behalf of committee members past and present at North East Thoroughbreds.
Throughout her brave and fearless battle, Courtney became an inspiration to many, and the horse community showed their support through the fundraising Golf Day and Auction held in September 2016 at Longwood that generated substantial funds for her ongoing cancer treatment and medical expenses.
Auction items generously donated including stallion services from Blue Gum Farm, Noor Elaine Farm, Swettenham and Riverbank Farm along with veterinary, farrier and dentistry services, horse transport, equine paintings, and even a yearling share from Princess Park.
It was an incredible all-encompassing show of encouragement from the industry she dearly loved.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the Life of Courtney was held at the Euroa Football Netball Club on Monday.
A wish of Courtney's was to support The Cervical Cancer Research Team at Peter Mac Callum Cancer Centre. Donations can be made online toCourtney's Fighting Fund.
Commonwealth Bank: BSB 063 531 ACC 1039 3988
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