James K. Ligon of Sandy Spring died on June 4 after a brief battle with cancer. Jim was a graduate B pony clubber and past US Pony Club Board of Governors President (1978-1980 and 1987-1990). His family was one of the founding members of the Redland Hunt Pony Club and he also helped start the Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club. Both clubs ride out of his Avalon Farm. Jim was an instructor and then DC for both clubs. He served on many USPC advisory boards and had a special interest in mounted games. He received the USPC Founders Award in 1998 and was named a Pony Club Legend at the USPC 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2004.

Outside of pony club, Jim was also actively involved in the sport of eventing as a much sought after cross-country announcer and cross-country controller. His voice could be heard over the loud speakers at events all over Maryland and Area II.

If you would like to share you memories of Jim, please email editor@equiery.com or post a comment here.

The Memorial Service for Jim is as follows:
August 4th 11am at Avalon Farm
1201 Olney Sandy Spring Road
Sandy Spring, Maryland 20860
Casual Attire. (It is going to be hot) The Memorial Service will start at 11 with a reception to follow. Any questions can be sent to Rumsey or Tim Keefe at timandrumsey@yahoo.com

“He was instrumental in the founding of Reddemeade. He believed in horses and horse people, and through Sandy Spring Bank, he arranged financing for us on terms that enabled us to purchase the land and get the business off the ground.

“He was also incredibly generous. I remember that he used to haul kids and their horses in his horse van to lessons and events, for free. He would sit in the cab of the van listening to a baseball game until they were done, then load them up and take them home.” – Jane Seigler, VP Maryland Horse Council

“Kids just absolutely loved him. He was such a great role model.” – Nancy Feldman, former DC of Redland Hunt Pony Club and Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club

“I remember arriving at the Carolina Horse Park for the American Eventing Championships back in 2007. I was so nervous as this was my first big road trip with my horse Jack. As soon as we got to the park, I heard Jim’s voice over the loud speaker welcoming all the competitors and I just relaxed. Hearing his voice made me feel like I was at a familiar event back home in Maryland.” – Katherine O. Rizzo, Managing Editor/Art Director The Equiery

“Nothing was better to calm the nerves before heading out on cross country than a little chit chat with Jim Ligon in his studio on wheels. He was all-knowing, all generous and all good. We will remember him and we will miss him. Training at his farm before Pony Club Nationals in 1979 was one of the best experiences of my life.” – Steuart Pittman, Dodon Farm, President Maryland Horse Council (added 6/11/12)

“Jim will always be remembered as a sportsman, gentleman, philanthropist, and friend to thousands of young riders and their parents. There are few people in the world that intimately touch so many lives and gave selfishly to help others meet their potential.  I will miss this dear friend.” –  Terry Hatzes Anderson, CLU CEBS AIF®, Lifetime Benefits LLC (added 6/12/12)