Day, deputy chair of geographical group IX, international judge in dressage, eventing and Para dressage, was also a member of the management committee of the South African National Equestrian Federation (SANEF).

Friends said they will miss her energy, passion, wise advice, tolerant attitude and sense of humour.

Day was British born but spent most of her adult life in South Africa.

An accountant by profession, she connected with horses at an early age and dressage became her passion.

As a rider, she won the KZN Medium Championships on a Basuto/Thoroughbred pony and recalled this as one of her greatest triumphs.

She was a certified advanced level 3 SANEF national instructor.

Her pupils were successful in many disciplines as she always ensured that proper groundwork was established first.

But it was judging that she found the most intellectually challenging and a true "character-building exercise".

On mistakes made, during her 25 years of judging, she always said: "These happen - just learn from them."

Several years ago, Day judged the FEI World Dressage Challenge in zone 3 and found that to be one of her most rewarding appointments.

She passed her final FEI level III exams in Denmark only five weeks before she died -achieving a lifelong ambition to become the first level III FEI dressage judge in Africa.

Day was a tireless promoter of Para dressage and became an FEI IV judge.

She was also a qualified level II FEI eventing judge.

Day is survived by husband Frank and sons Tim and Nick.