Margarita Noble Serrell, a dressage proponent and judge, died at her home in Greenwich, Conn., on April 24. She was 90.

Mrs. Serrell’s early love of horses led her from many local shows to be the jt.-MFH of the Fairfield/Westchester Fox Hounds. Later, she was drawn to the art of dressage with the renowned Richard Watjen and became the founder and driving force behind the American Dressage Institute, of which she was president for six years.

Mrs. Serrell became a respected national and international dressage judge, and in 1964 she judged the World Junior European Dressage Championship in Denmark.

In 2004, she was awarded the U.S. Equestrian Federation Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her leadership in raising the profile of dressage in the United States when it was in its infancy.

Under Mrs. Serrell’s guidance, the ADI hosted shows, clinics, demonstrations, seminars and was instrumental in the U.S. team bronze medal effort at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Her book on dressage fundamentals, Free, Forward And Straight, was published in 1991. She was also an active member of the Greenwich Riding And Trails Association and served as a past president.

In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Mrs. Serrell was a nationally acclaimed flower arranger. She was a 60-year member of the Hortulus Garden Club, was awarded two Fenwick Medals for flower arranging and devoted much of her time judging and lecturing on the art of flower arranging throughout the United States on behalf of the Garden Club of America.

Mrs. Serrell is survived by: daughters Patricia Schmeltzer, Greenwich, Conn., and Margarita McGrath, Scottsdale, Ariz.; son Howard Paul Serrell, Jr., Greenwich, Conn.; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Lawrence University, Buchner/Noble Scholarship Fund For North Country Students, 23 Romoda Dr., Canton, NY 13617.