GREAT Ayton said farewell to one of its true sons on Thursday, January 27, when Teddy Cumbor was conveyed to his final resting place on a flat cart pulled by one of the magnificent Clydesdale horses that will forever be associated with his name.
The huge strawberry roan, a gentle giant, groomed to perfection, its fetlocks snowy white, trod a slow and dignified last journey for its master.
Great Ayton High Street and passing traffic came to a standstill while motorists left their vehicles and stood in respect as the dignified but simple procession made its way to Christ Church for a service of thanksgiving and celebration of a long life distinguished by meticulous attention to the breeding and quality of his prizewinning horses.
Teddy Cumbor
Teddy was born at School Farm in Station Road, Great Ayton in 1927. He lived and farmed there until retiring in 1990, when he and his wife Margery moved into a nearby cottage which had previously been part of School Farm.
Teddy’s daughter, Judy, delivered the eulogy at the service, and made a capacity congregation smile at some of the inevitable tensions that are generated by top level showing and competing.
Teddy made his final journey pulled by a Clydesdale
He was serious about his horses, their care and their breeding, and his total attention to detail brought about his success. He was a master of his craft, who achieved standards that will be very hard to follow.
Teddy Cumbor, a wonderful storyteller and real horse whisperer, will be long remembered.
He leaves three daughters, Jane, Janet and Judy, sons in law Robert and Simon and three grandchildren, Katherine, Kirsty and Victoria.
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