Vale Di Schaeffer

The Australian Equestrian community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Di Schaeffer.

Di suffered a heart attack on Christmas night and was hospitalised. Despite Di’s resilience and strength, the challenges of the damage to her heart were too difficult to overcome and on Sunday 3 January 2021, Di passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Di, who was 77 years old, leaves a legacy to Equestrian and in particular Eventing. Mother of Olympian, Wendy Schaeffer, Chair of the ESA Eventing Committee and an SA Eventing Selector. Di was on the 1986 Australian Team for the Gawler World Championships and also competed at a high level for many years. She co-owned many horses, including Sunburst, who was Wendy’s mount at the Atlanta Olympics and a member of the Gold Medal winning team.

Strong and resilient, Di was a woman who would rise up when others found it challenging.

Still actively involved with horses, Di attended the recent event at Wallaby Hill in December. Travelling all the way over from SA with Wendy, Di drove most of the way to allow Wendy to sleep and rest before the event. Wendy rode Sun Quest (co-owned by Di) who placed 11th in his second only 3* event.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schaeffer and Equestrian family. She will be dearly missed.

"RIP Di as she rides with the angels"

A service to celebrate Di’s life will be held on her property, Sunning Hill, 10.30am Wednesday 13th January 2021.

Article courtesy of Equestrian Australia