A LEADING figure in the equestrian world who has died at the aged of 86 has been described as an “amazing” horsewoman.

Elaine Straker (nee Peat) was born on September 25, 1926, the daughter of Conservative MP for Darlington Charles Peat, and was brought up at Wycliffe Hall, near Barnard Castle, her father's estate.

She was educated at home by a governess and towards the end of the Second World War served as a nurse.

When she was 21, she married Hugh Straker, a former naval officer, and after he had completed his studies at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, followed by Cambridge, the couple moved north to live at Wycliffe.

They had five children who excelled at riding, most notably Karen Straker, who won the Junior European Championships in 1982 on a horse her mother had rescued.

Elaine Straker also bred a horse called George who, after guiding her son Matthew round Badminton in 1977, went on to partner Lucinda Green to notable success at Burghley and Hickstead.

In the late 1960s, Mrs Straker established Little Hutton Equestrian Centre, in North Yorkshire, which she closed after she was divorced from her husband in the late 1970s.

Event rider Barbara Ainsworth spent 12 months working with Karen and Elaine at Wycliffe.

She described Elaine Straker as “the best horsewoman I have ever known.”

Mrs Ainsworth, who now runs an equestrian centre near Blackpool, Lancashire, added: “I worked with Karen, but Elaine had quite a bit of input.

“As a horsewoman, she was amazing. She just knew a good horse and could see a good horse.”

Mrs Straker died peacefully at home on May 22. Her funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Wycliffe, on Friday, June 7, at noon.

She is survived by her children Philip, Nicholas, Matthew, Reuben and Karen, and her 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.