Mary Lou Happoldt

CONCORD:Mary Lou Happoldt, 62, of Silk Farm Road, died Sunday at home. She was born in Atlanta, GA, the daughter of Mary Knox Happoldt and Albert S. Happoldt, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1960, with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry. She attended the Medical College of Georgia Medical Technology School. After moving to New England in 1966, Mary Lou became an antiques dealer and began restoring historic properties. She was also involved with youth through the Girl Scouts of America, as a troop leader and camping expert. For the past twenty years, she had been the owner of the Sign of the Horse farm and tack shop, in Concord, NH. Mary Lou was an accomplished horsewoman, specializing in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. She promoted the Tennessee Walking Horse through showing, driving, and trail rides. She was a member of and delegate to the National Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors' Association in Shelbyville, TN. She was a founding member of the Versatility Horse Committee. Her Tennessee Walking horses earned many National Versatility Program Honor Roll Championships, and her mare, Chance's Magic Dream, earned the National Supreme Versatility Championship, which is the highest honor awarded to the breed. Mary Lou was a founding member and past president of the New England Tennessee Walking Horse Association and was past Vice President of Planning for the Granite State Carriage Association. She hosted several horse shows at her farm and introduced many young people to the responsibilities and joys of horsemanship. She was also known for her ability to talk anyone into joining her for a ''little, one-hour ride'' which usually turned into an all-day, great adventure. She is survived by her mother, Mary Happoldt, of Highlands, NC, by her two children, Mary Beth Jackson, of Concord, NH, and Chris Jackson, of Nashville, TN, and by her sister, Kay Smith, of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by her horses, dogs, cats, hens, and turkey. At Mary Lou's request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to remember her may make a donation to the animal cause of their choice