Vivian Williams

Vivian Williams was a dressage pioneer in Great Britain. He was a judge at the 1952 Olympics and four years later was team manager of the first British team to compete in the Olympic dressage. His second wife Brenda was 65 when she competed in her second Olympics at Rome in 1960.

Williams served as president of the British Horse Society and director of the Royal International Horse Show, and was a judge at the Royal Dublin Horse Show. In 1968, he wrote the book “Basic Training for Horses and Ponies” with his wife. Williams’ son with his first wife was Dorian Williams, known as the “Voice of Equestrianism” for the BBC for nearly 30 years. Vivian was an army officer and served in the 5th Dragoon Guards, retiring with the rank of colonel. He was awarded the OBE. His home at East Burnham Park in Buckinghamshire was a training centre for British Olympic jumpers, eventers, and dressage riders.