A MUCH-LOVED Dalton lady known as the "Queen of the Shire Horses" was given the most fitting of send-offs today.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral service of Glenys Dodd and they bowed their heads as a mighty shire horse approached Risedale Gospel Hall, in Barrow, bringing their loved one and friend to church.

So many people gathered to pay their final respects to the renowned shire horse breeder, and former district commissioner of Furness and District Pony Club, that they packed the hall and the foyer, and were also standing outside the church during the service.

The founder of the celebrated Burlington Park Shires passed away peacefully on October 6 at her Park Farm home with her loving family around her. The 72-year-old had fought cancer with bravery and dignity.

Miss Dodd was held in the highest esteem among horse people around the country. Her shires are award-winners, known for their quality and gentle temperament, and she was highly-respected for her incredible knowledge of horses and her great generosity for helping and supporting others.

"She was unique, and a legend" - Tributes paid to Dalton 'Queen of the Shire Horses'

The sight of a shire horse, the gentle giant of the equine world, transporting Miss Dodd to her funeral service was a wonderful tribute for a woman who had done so much to promote the breed and encourage generations of new followers.

Sky, a black mare belonging to Alex and Charlotte Sharphouse, of Old Hall Farm, Bouth, was smartly turned out in full braid with flights, and her harness was decked with brass plaques. She pulled a traditional dray cart which carried the coffin, and family and close friends followed behind.

The autumn shades floral display on top of the coffin was accompanied by some of Miss Dodd's champion sashes. Around the coffin were specially-made Horse of the Year rosettes featuring messages from Miss Dodd's family and those closest to her. They included "See you later alligator", "After a while crocodile" and "Best Mate".

The cart also carried Miss Dodd's tack box featuring the wording Burlington Park Shires and her name.

Furness and District Pony Club members, kitted out in their riding hats and club kit, lined the route into church to form a guard of honour. If they had they been at Pony Club camp, they would have been sure to have received top marks for turnout from the former district commissioner, due to their smart appearance and shiny boots.

The service was very much a celebration of life. Miss Dodd entered the church to a family recording of Blessed Assurance (I Know He's Mine) . The hymns Amazing Grace and O Love That Will Not Let Me Go were also sung. The family is connected to the church and Miss Dodd went there.

Stephen Wheeler welcomed the hundreds of people present and said: "It is a great comfort to the family to know how Glenys touched so many lives."

Miss Dodd's favourite psalms were read, including Psalm 121 'I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord.'

George Harrison spoke on behalf of the family and told the service that many of the folk gathered had visited Park Farm, had a brew, a chat and a laugh, and encountered Miss Dodd's great sense of humour.

He said: "It was a home full of laughter, food and hundreds of rosettes."

It was also said that she had "enough chocolate biscuits to feed Dalton".

Miss Dodd grew up in a loving, caring Christian family.

She was credited for always working really hard – "from dawn to dusk", whether that was in her mother's shop, working with horses, being a farm hand – often travelling to work by horse, on a flower and garden stall at the market, or at the family florists and garden centre.

She also had a love for embroidery and crafts - and was known to have completed school craft projects for the children in the family.

Mr Harrison told the service that alongside the great love for her family, horses were the love of her life. Her passion for horses started at Sandford School for Girls. She rode, drove a horse and trap, had been an instructor and then led her huge shire horses at events around the country. She was a loved Furness and District Pony Club district commissioner, sorting schedules, organising gymkhanas, rallies, Pony Club camp, quizzes and more. And, for those who fell off, she would always say: "Get back on that horse."

She was able to celebrate victory at Westmorland County Show in September with one of her beloved Burlington Park Shires and she has been awarded a lifetime achievement award for her contribution towards the shire horse breed.

Mr Harrison said: "She worked hard with the breeding to the braiding of these magnificent horses to keep them at the forefront.

"She has left such a lasting legacy in so many areas."

Friends heard how she adored her family and was always spoiling her nieces and nephews.

The family said she had been "the most amazing sister and auntie" and they are "so privileged to see the legacy she has left behind". They said they will "fondly remember all the fun and happiness she brought to our family".

They said she may not have had children of her own but she became "mum to so many" as a true inspiration, who was very determined and fiercely independent.

They said she faced her illness with great courage and did not complain. She was "so strong and so brave".

She wanted to end her days at home and they thanked Macmillan, Hospice at Home and Furness General Hospital oncology unit for their amazing support.

"Her partner in crime until the end" was her best friend Dot Butler.

In the hours before Miss Dodd's death she had told family to take Mrs Butler to a meeting, meaning a church meeting, saying: "I'm going up there and I want Dot to join me."

Mr Harrison said: "We got Dot into church today."

The service heard a recording of Ode To The Horse , which ends with the line "England’s past has been borne on his back. All our history is his industry; we are his heirs, he our inheritance. The horse."

Miss Dodd left church to the song How Great Thou Art , recorded by relative Jonathan Veira.

The hundreds attending church were encouraged to take a token from Miss Dodd and the family. There were baskets in church containing horse brasses from her farm for friends to take. The tag on them includes the words: "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day," and the words, "Glen hasn't gone she has just changed address."

Friend Donna Braithwaite led her shire mare, Angela, in front of the cortege as it made its way to Dalton ceremony for Miss Dodd's private burial.

Donations at the funeral were made to Macmillan Nurses, FGH Oncology, Hospice at Home and Gideon’s International.