Four time national driving champion Muffy Seaton passed away Saturday after a long illness. The 75-year-old South Carolina resident was a popular clinician, judge and a well-known breeder at her Shepherd’s Purse Farm.
She held a large R from the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the American Driving Society in pleasure driving and combined driving. In 2005, she trained and qualified Paleface, the pony who won the gold medal at the World Pony Championships at the Royal Windsor show in England. In addition, Muffy was known for her four-in-hand of dark-coated Dartmoor ponies she nicknamed “the four fleas.” Muffy had quite a sense of humor.
Muffy Seaton
Those who took clinics with Muffy will remember her demeanor, a special way of working with others “that made her so well-loved,” said Tracey Higgins, a longtime friend.
Tracey recalled, “her quiet way when people were working with her. She didn’t bark orders or drill. She sat in the carriage next to you like an old friend, making suggestions. She was very kind and helpful.”
Para-driver Jennifer Peterson called Muffy “an extraordinary person and carriage driving mentor who made such a difference in my life and in the lives of so many others in our community.”
Jennifer noted that Muffy was willing to work with her, even though she drives using velcro cuffs around her wrists to control the reins due to a physical disability.
“She didn’t just watch or listen,” Jennifer recalled. “She put those cuffs on herself so she could feel what is was like to drive as I do. That moment meant the world to me.”
Muffy is survived by her husband of 47 years, Douglas Seaton III,who helped her as a navigator, groom and horse whisperer; a son, Jesse McKenzie Seaton (Jenny) and grandson, Tanner McKenzie Seaton.
Interment is private and a celebration of life is being discussed for the spring.
Those wishing to make a donation in her memory can click on this link.