A NORTH Yorkshire family have been saddened by the loss of a former international show jumper whose generous nature brought them great pleasure.

Sanyo Devon, owned by Kath Nixon of Brompton on Swale, was almost 30 years old when a recurring gut problem forced the family to have him put to sleep at the end of last month.

The horse was brought from Holland and ridden at international level by top showjumper Harvey Smith and his son Robert.

He was bought by the Nixons from William Funnell in 1985 for their daughter Karen to jump and moved with the family from Kent to North Yorkshire two years later.

When he retired from showjumping, Sanyo Devon returned to hunting as he had done as master's horse with John Funnell.

He also starred in episodes of All Creatures Great and Small, when he was ridden by actor Frank Windsor and many others.

The horse was a loyal servant to the family, who run the Knix stud for Shetland ponies, and Mrs Nixon said: "He will be so sadly missed as he was the most kind, gentle and generous horse we have ever owned."