A MUM who dedicated 60 years of her life to teaching horse-riding has died.

Jill Carenza, the owner of Cotswold Riding, one of England's largest schools, has died at 72. 

Cotswold Journal: MISSED: Jill Carenza doing what she loved. MISSED: Jill Carenza doing what she loved. (Image: Submitted)Mrs Carenza "started riding as soon as she could walk" and had begun her teaching business at just 11 years old after taking over from her older sister.

Throughout the years that followed, her business grew, and her reputation was soon known internationally.

A spokesperson, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "People came from all over the world to have lessons or go out on a hack through the beautiful Cotswold countryside on her wide range of horses, which were suited to riders from very experienced to novices.

"Jill was known not only as a brilliant riding instructor but also for her unique 'accelerated" teaching methods.

"She encouraged them (students) to canter and jump as soon as she considered they were capable. No wonder she attracted so many clients worldwide – and they kept coming back, generation after generation.

"She treated everyone equally and countless riders today remember Jill's patience when they were children.

Cotswold Journal: Jill had been riding ever since she could walk.Jill had been riding ever since she could walk. (Image: Submitted)"She also was happy to teach people with disabilities, knowing how much that did for them."

Mrs Carenza had also become well known for her involvement in equine discipline, which involved team-chasing, point-to-point, and eventing, such as competing at Badminton, Gatcombe, and Blenheim.

A significant part of the business was hiring out horses for hunting, and she was well known amongst North Cotswold Hunt.

Joint master of the North Cotswold Hunt, Oliver Dale, said he owes a particular debt to her and the meet had also held a one-minute silence in Mrs Carenza's memory. 

Mrs Carenza also provided hirelings (horses for hire) for the Beaufort, VWH, Ledbury, Cotswold, Warwickshire, Heythrop, Cotswold Vale, and Farmers' Bloodhounds hunts.

She is survived by her husband, Lui, daughters Kate, Sarah-Jane, Charlotte and Emily, eight grandchildren and three stepchildren.

The business is now being run by her daughters, Kate and Emily.

Her funeral will be on Wednesday, January 24 at noon at St George's, Didbrook, with a live feed to a marquee at the Stanton Club.

She will be brought back to Stanton for burial on a horse-drawn carriage.