Famed equestrian Carol Hoffman Thompson dies

Carol Hoffman Thompson, a well-accomplished equestrian rider and trainer, died Wednesday. She was the wife of long-time New Jersey-based Thoroughbred trainer J. Willard Thompson and the stepmother of trainer Glenn Thompson.

Carol Hoffman Thompson was a member of the United States Equestrian Team of show jumpers from 1963 to 1973, and was part of the U.S. Olympic team in 1968. She operated Quiet Winter Farm in Colts Neck, N.J. Among the national champion horses she bred and trained were River Pilot, Better Than Most, Ariel, Follow Me, and West Street.

In addition to her husband and step-son, she is survived by a sister, Judy Richter.

On his Facebook page, Glenn Thompson stated that a celebration of life will be held sometime next spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carol Hoffman Thompson’s name to the USET Gladstone Fund to refurbish the headquarters. The address is USET Foundation, 1040 Pottersville Road, Gladstone, NJ 07934.