Highly respected figure helped shape the global equestrian industry.
James Henry Charlton ‘Jim’ Kennard – a luminary of the Australian and international equestrian trade – died on 26 August.
Jim was 84 and he passed away in Tewantin on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, one of his favourite places.
As a young man, Jim did a stint in the outback as a boundary rider and jackaroo on a cattle and sheep farm.
At 19, he joined Sydney based John Charlton & Co which had been founded by his father John Charlton Kennard. After a time, Jim became the sole owner of the thriving saddlery retailer.
John Charlton & Co built an extensive mail order business that served rural and outback communities throughout Australia. With an esteemed reputation, it soon became a leader in the sector.
Jim was a regular visitor to the UK where he established many strong business contacts. He was particularly active in Walsall, the heart of the English saddlery industry, where he became known as a popular and greatly respected figure.
Forerunner of Weatherbeeta
By 1975, Jim had established a wholesale business in Sydney in partnership with his family. Equestrian Supplies also became a leading importer of equestrian products.
In addition, in a management and ownership role, Jim took John Charlton & Co into the Horseland Group which ultimately grew into a chain of 47 retail stores throughout Australia.
In 1988, the Horseland Group bought out Equestrian Supplies which then became Weatherbeeta. That company went on to extend its reach to New Zealand, the UK and the USA – and developed into one of the equestrian industry’s best-known names.
Well-deserved retirement
Jim retired from active involvement in the business in 2006. He handed over the reins to his son Richard who, in turn, has been joined by his daughter Freya.
Jim had recently moved full-time to his beloved Noosa in Queensland, where he and his wife Beth had enjoyed family holidays for more than 30 years.
He is survived by Beth, three children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
- With thanks to Mike Williams.
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Candle image by Aleks from Pixabay
