Vale John Clifford Brice OAM

John's first involvement with equestrian sport came courtesy of his daughters Sonya, Michelle and Leann.

All three were members of the Pegasus Pony Club in the early 1970’s and his involvement grew from there.  He would always be seen assisting in the show jumping ring and it wasn’t long before he had a sound knowledge base and gained his Course Designers accreditation.  He was a popular and competent course designer and would later on become a judge.  

John was actively involved at so many different levels of the sport and his enthusiasm was contagious with all the committees that he served on.  Having been on the EFA Show Jumping committee for some 20+ years and serving as the vice chairman until his retirement.  He served on the committee of the South Australian Show Jumping Club and was a founding member of both the Northern Districts Show Jumping Club and the Mallala Show Jumping Club.

John, along with his wife Rae, built the Mallala Equestrian Centre which has provided a great venue for show jumping including several World Cup shows and numerous SA State indoor championships.  John would regularly provide this magnificent facility for state squad training and junior clinics.  John made many friends through the MEC as it was the ideal location for any interstate competitors to stay while competing in SA or just through the regular competitions held there.  John, through his company Brice Metals, has been most generous with his sponsorship from Agricultural shows to the Grand Prix at the Adelaide Royal Show and he would actively promote the sport through his many business and sporting connections.

John for his wonderful efforts over a long period of time was awarded an OAM and was also afforded Honorary Life Membership of the EA/ESA.  He gave so much and never expected anything in return, his interest was the sport and South Australian show jumping is the beneficiary of his generosity and this will never be forgotten.  John is someone who will be sadly missed and I think the words of the NJC chairperson, Vicki Roycroft, on hearing of John’s passing sum him up perfectly;

“I considered John Brice to be one of the most distinguished men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  His contribution to SA show jumping, as well as nationally, was enormous, and all done with a quiet dignity and humility that is rare in life. "