Equestrian, author and animal lover Anne Powell, who passed on the skills of horseback to a host of young Bermudians, became a familiar sight at parades and other public events on the island with her beloved Clydesdale horses ― gentle giants bred for hauling heavy loads that stood out in a crowd.

Ms Powell also served as chairwoman of the charity Meals on Wheels, and ran a popular and eclectic shop on Middle Road in Southampton, The Rising Sun, which stocked a mixture of household and gardening items to furniture and toys.

Clydesdales, which take their name from their county of origin in Scotland, were popular in parades and shows as well as beasts of burden.

Ms Powell’s proved a charm for visitors to the island as well as locals.

One, Flash Harry, the island’s lone Clydesdale in the 1990s and believed to be Bermuda’s largest horse, pulled carriages for weddings and anniversaries. Two brothers, Crown and Anchor, were a hit with the public in shows, and ended up inspiring a children’s book.

They also raised funds for Meals on Wheels, where Ms Powell served as chairwoman for several years.

Known for her humour, Ms Powell gamely auditioned in 2004 among several hopefuls for the job of town crier of St George ― a larger-than-life mascot role that she lost to David Frith.

“I just thought, why not?” she told The Royal Gazette. “They have female town criers in England. I failed miserably. My voice could have been louder, I guess.”

Eddie Roque, a longstanding friend and equestrian who used to help run Ms Powell’s horse-drawn trips for guests and tourists ― which came with champagne breakfasts ― said she was originally from England and settled in Bermuda after coming out to the island to work at a veterinary practice. She was instrumental in the Bermuda Hunt Club.

Mr Roque added: “Anne was such an amazing person, with her very British accent. She was always very generous, especially to charity.

“I don’t care who you talk to about Anne. They’ll all come back with the same thing about her ― she was amazing.”

• Anne Catherine Powell, equestrian, was born on October 13, 1933. She died in January 2026, aged 92