Obituaries

Barbara Hay, age 71 years, of East Amwell Township, NJ, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Jersey City, N.J., on December 30, 1951, the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Hamilton Staump. She had formerly resided in Scotch Plains, N.J. She was a horse trainer by trade, but that doesn’t adequately define her profession. She was part horse whisperer, part human psychologist, part veterinarian, and part cheerleader. She touched the lives of numerous students through both her involvement in the United States Pony Clubs, where she was a Chief Horse Management Judge and National Examiner, and as the owner of Rainbow Ridge Equestrian Center, in Flemington, N.J.

She is pre-deceased by her former husband, James Hay, who passed in 2012. Surviving are her two children: Bridget Hay of Flemington, N.J.; and Ryan Hay of Flemington, N.J.; four grandchildren, Ryder Hay, Audrey Hay, Amelia Hay, and Julianna Hay; one sister, Susan Gaukin of Flemington, N.J., and five nieces and nephews. She reveled in her role as Grandma, and her passion for her family was always evident.

Louise (Lisa) B. Cox passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023.  Lisa was born on January 1, 1943, in South Amboy, N.J., the daughter of the late Phillip H. and Dorothy L. (Weber) Bradley.
After marrying, Lisa and her husband moved to Old Chatham, N.Y., where she became an active member of the Old Chatham Hunt Club. She also served as the District Commissioner (DC) of the Old Chatham Pony Club and later a member of the United States Pony Clubs Board of Governors. She also ran Antinore Farm, where she hosted many Pony Club activities while also continuing her own riding, which included being long listed for the Olympic Eventing Team. Lisa was also a lifelong member of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), where she was a certified Dressage “R” judge and Eventing “r” judge.
Lisa is survived by her daughter, Ellenor W. Cox; son-in-law, James N. Joyce; and her grandson, Colin T. Joyce, of Cambridge, N.Y. She is also survived by her sister, Anne B. Mulville of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephew, Clayton Mulville and his wife, Jackie and their children, Garrett and Rielley, who are all in Phoenix, Ariz.  She was predeceased by her brother, Francis Weber Bradley; brother-in-law, John D. Mulville; nephews, Matthew W. Mulville; and Phillip H. Mulville.

Robin Martin Weiss died peacefully in her sleep on August 3, 2023.  She was born August 4, 1947, in New York City, N.Y., to Robert Wesley Martin, Jr. and Virginia Uihlein Martin.
Robin had a strong love for the West, and while living in Cody, Wyo., helped launch the art program for the Cody Public School System. She also launched a restaurant called Temptations and opened her own design store called Cabin Fever. In 1988, she and her family moved to Jackson, Wyo., where she built and managed Spring Creek Equestrian Center.
Robin was a former member of the Meadowbrook Pony Club and served as the Regional Supervisor for the Intermountain Region from 1995–1996. Robin was a dedicated member of the USPC Board of Governors, serving as the Executive Secretary in 2005. She was honored with the Founders Award from USPC in 2010 and the Festival Legend Award in 2011.
Robin is proceeded in death by her husband Bill Weiss (2021) and is survived by her two children, Katrina Ryan (Brandon), and Billy Weiss (Jean), and her six grandchildren, Hagen, Alex, Billy, Olivia, Charlie, and Maddie.

Dr. Doris Hammett, age 99, died on June 22, 2023.  Born as Doris Marie Bixby in rural Kansas on May 26, 1924. She was the oldest of three daughters. Her parents were Benjamin Parker Bixby and Ruth Valeria Wickham Bixby. Her younger sisters were Elizabeth Cornelia Bixby (McKenzie) and Abigail Lois Bixby (Calvin), both now deceased.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dr. Frank Hammett, whom she married in 1949 and who passed away in 2009; and her second husband, Tom Flynn, whom she married in 2011 until his passing in 2015.

As one of the first women admitted into the University of Kansas School of Medicine, she earned her medical degree in 1948. In 1963, Doris and Rubye Bryson, Director of the Haywood Health Department, spearheaded a drive for a county-wide polio immunization blitz. She also instituted the very first school readiness program in North Carolina.

Doris was an avid equestrian and was a founding member of the Haywood County Pony Club, receiving her A certification in 1997. After a fall from a horse in 1971, she suffered a brain injury. As her protective headgear saved her life, she became a national leader in advocating for protective headgear for all riders and in developing the standards for helmets. She served on the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) National Safety Committee from 1979 to 2004 and on the committee that first established protective headgear standards for USPC in 1979. In 2004, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association for Horsemanship Safety. She was awarded the United States Pony Clubs Founders Award in 1997 and is also a USPC National Legend.

Ann Jenkins Gillespie, 65, wife of Randall (Randy) Houston Gillespie, of Hollywood, S.C., passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Born January 30, 1958, Ann was the daughter of Agnes Yates Stevens Jenkins and the late Charles (Billy) William Jenkins, and the sister to William (Billy) Stanyarne Jenkins (Debbie).
Ann graduated from Potomac Horse Center in 1978 with the certificates of Horsemaster and Senior Instructor. She was an A graduate of the United States Pony Clubs. She also won the 4-H national championship in 1976. Ann was a Broker Associate with Agent Owned Realty Co., where she helped to create conservation easements to protect land for the use of horseback riding and hunting.
Ann enjoyed working with children of all ages, and especially enjoyed riding horses and playing baseball.
Ann is survived by her loving husband of 41 years; their two sons, Travis Randall Gillespie and Troy Stanyarne Stevens Gillespie; grandsons Trevor Houston Gillespie and Hank Stanyearn Stevens Petrone; and granddaughters Addison Eileen Gillespie and Georgia Paige Gillespie.

Betty Heath Galambos, of Yelm, Wash., passed away on February 23, 2023, after a short battle with an extremely aggressive form of cancer.
Betty was an avid supporter of the United States Pony Clubs, where she served as the Club Treasurer for Briarwood Pony Club in 2007 and 2011; Joint District Commissioner from 1998 to 2000, 2004 to 2005, and 2008 to 2009; and as the Region Treasurer for the Northwest Region from 2008 to 2009.
Betty also spent a considerable amount of time volunteering to work rallies, even after her daughter, Rachel Galambos Brady, was no longer a member. She often served as the Technical Delegate for rallies in the Northwest and Oregon Regions, which was a position she took much pride in.
Betty also used her time, resources, and even her own horses to help other riders and encourage them to participate in Pony Club. She was honored in 2023 with the USPC Local Legend Award.

Raymond B. Stronsky, Jr. (“Ray”) left this world a better place when he passed peacefully on to the next on January 11, 2023. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 9, 1951, to Raymond Basil Stronsky, Sr. (“Rome”) and Lida Jane Coleman, Ray soon assumed the role of proud and overly-protective big brother to sister Barbara Ann and brother Brian. After Ray’s wartime service as a U.S. Army Specialist earning decorations and medals including the Army Occupational Medal (Berlin), the National Defense Service Medal, the Expert Infantry Badge, and the designation of M16 Sharpshooter, Ray set his sights on New Orleans where he began what would become a life-long celebrated career in commercial real estate – first flourishing as a broker-agent, soon expanding into commercial development, and later founding and operating a highly successful commercial property management company. During his time in New Orleans, Ray met the love-of-his-life, Sarah Jane Henderson, then a college professor and a tenant in a building managed by his company. The two were soon wed on February 3, 1984, at Andrews Chapel in Jackson, Tennessee, and returned to New Orleans for an epic celebration amongst friends and family. The following year, the couple was blessed with a daughter, Sarah Beth, and the three lived happily in Metairie for many years. Beckoned by the excitement of a new, burgeoning commercial development frontier, Ray moved the family to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where Ray would later become one of the most lauded, storied, and preeminent commercial real estate brokers and developers in the State’s history through his role in the establishment and expansion of the gaming and tourism industries along Mississippi’s Gulf Shores. The family lived the next 25 years in their home on back bay in Ocean Springs where they raised Sarah Beth, and fully emersed themselves into the sport to which she ultimately dedicated most of her youth: horseback riding. Later becoming a national champion equestrian, Sarah Beth’s sport kept Ray on the road with a horse-trailer most weekends, though the family always managed to find time to spend in Ray’s found heaven: out on the Gulf of Mexico. Sarah Beth graduated from O.S. High School, earned her B.A. in accounting and economics, and attended law school on a full academic scholarship and graduated with highest honors. Sarah Beth, who in her career as a commercial and financial litigator specializing in lender-liability defense and creditor-representation in business-bankruptcy cases, has shattered ceilings and continues to break records, and at every single turn, and in every chance she is given, credits every ounce of her success – both professional and personal – to the deep, endless and unqualified love and support of her parents, and above all else, to the unflagging wisdom and counsel she had in Ray -- her first and loudest and proudest supporter on every sideline and in every corner throughout her life. Ray lived vivaciously, and did everything to its absolute fullest. But of everything Ray did, nothing was ever bigger, ever stronger, or ever more relentless than his love for his wife Sarah Jane– who he loved with every fiber of his being for all of their 39 years of marriage, and with every breath he took until his very last. Ray had an unmatched and often uncanny ability to read, understand, and communicate with people, a strikingly strong, deeply-seated intuition, and an unflappable disposition, which altogether rendered him a true force to be reckoned with – and even to be in a room with – throughout his life. His deep, barreling laugh, his fierce but kind icy-blue eyes, his unconditional loyalty to his family and his friends, and his contagious love of fun, are only but a few of the gaping holes Ray’s absence will leave for those left behind.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara A. Griffin Lott, and his niece Jayna P. Griffin. He is survived by his wife Sarah Jane Stronsky, daughter Sarah Beth Wilson (and husband Benjamin H. Wilson), grandchildren Roman (9), Ava (7) and Haze (9-months) Wilson, his brother Brian J. Stronsky (and wife Tammy M. Stronsky), niece Brooke Ford (and husband Colton R. Ford), niece Cara Jane Stronsky (and husband Benjamin T. Hester), and nephew Max G. Griffin. 

Sherry A. Corbin, 71, of Monticello, Ill., passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023, at her home surrounded by her close family.
Sherry was born on September 29, 1951, in Winchester, Ky. She married Thomas C. Corbin on September 3, 1977.
Sherry was passionate about teaching and mentoring youth, and after graduating from Middle Tennessee State University, she taught high school science in Sweetwater, Tenn. During the summers, when she wasn’t teaching, Sherry directed a youth horseback riding camp. After her marriage, she moved to Raleigh N.C., where she continued to teach.
After teaching, Sherry became an RN, where she worked in the neonatal unit at Carle Foundation Hospital for many years. Sherry was also a gifted artist, and she became a full-time artist for many years after nursing.
Throughout her life, Sherry’s love for horses persisted, and she passed this love on to her daughter and supported and volunteered with The United States Pony Clubs.
Sherry is survived by her mother, Joyce Dennington of Nashville, Tenn.; husband Tom Corbin of Monticello; daughter Anne Corbin, and son-in-law Scott Reaney.

Jenifer (Jeni) Hren Gaffney, 61, peacefully passed away on November 15, 2022, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Jeni was born in Boulder, Colo., on September 26, 1961. After moving to Mount Vernon, Ohio, she found a passion for all animals, especially horses. Jeni earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at The Ohio State University in 1987, where she graduated top of her class.

Jeni met her husband, Sean Gaffney, through the United States Pony Clubs, where they both shared in their passion for horses. Jeni herself was an A graduate of Central Ohio Pony Club in the Tri-State Region. After their marriage in 1993, they moved to Bath, Ohio, where Jeni opened her veterinary practice, The Visiting Vet.

Jeni volunteered her time for many events, including the Bath Horse Show, Bath Pony Club, Valley Riding, and other volunteer fundraisers. While a member of Bath Pony Club, Jeni served as District Commissioner from 2008 to 2011.

She also loved reading and giving presentations to educate individuals in equestrian sports and veterinary medicine. Her love and passion for horses also led her to compete at the top levels of Dressage, where she earned her bronze, silver, and gold medals from the United States Dressage Federation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Robin Hren, and survived by her husband, Sean Gaffney; son, Colin Gaffney; her brother, Jeff Hren and sister-in-law Wendy Hren, and their children— Casey Ellis, Wesley Hren, Taylor Hren, Christine Horrell, and Michael Brown.

Elizabeth “Betty” Grosvenor Colburn Williamson, 86, of Asheville, died Saturday, November 12, 2022, at her residence.
Betty was an avid equestrian throughout her life. In addition to being a riding instructor and an A-level graduate of the United States Pony Clubs (USPC), she also served as a National Examiner for USPC. With her expertise in the hunter/jumper rings, Betty coached many students to regional and national titles.
Betty was also an expert gardener and was active in the French Board River Gardener Club.
Betty is survived by her husband, Ian Welliver, of Asheville; a daughter, Caroline Colburn Williamson; a son, Dr. Weldon Kent Williamson of Asheville; two sisters, Dorothy S. Rice of Florida and Caroline S. Gilbert of New Hampshire, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Sarah Rebecca (Klein) Weber of Dunlap, Ill., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 3, 2022. She was born on June 10, 1975, to Ray and Anita Klein.
She spent many years volunteering with Pony Club in the North Central Prairie Region. Her services include being Club Secretary for Heart of Illinois Pony Club in 2008 and 2017, Club Treasurer in 2018, District Commissioner in 2011 and 2019, Vice Regional Supervisor in 2013 and 2019, and Regional Supervisor in 2018.

She was married to Christian Weber and had seven children—Allison Weber, Jacob Weber, Emily Weber, Katherine Weber, Theresa Weber, Elizabeth Weber, and Isabelle Weber.

 Barbara Dunlop, 89, died November 1, 2022 peacefully in Jacksonville, Florida. She is survived by her devoted husband, Arthur “Bob” Dunlop (married 1957 in Pittsburgh). Mrs. Dunlop was a native of Pennsylvania and attended Allegheny College and Penn State University. She taught art in middle school in Pennsylvania and later worked as a media center specialist for 19 years at Astoria Park Elementary school in Tallahassee. Her activities during 60 years in the Tallahassee community included working with young people in the Ochlocknee River Pony Club where she served terms as the District Commissioner and Regional Supervisor of the Sunshine Region, and water color painting. She was a long-term member of Faith Presbyterian Church, serving as elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher. In recent years she served on several resident committees at Westminster Oaks and enjoyed playing bridge, spending time with friends and family, and participating in senior activities at church. Barbara’s 65 years of wonderful marriage with her loving husband Bob included surviving family of four beloved daughters: Dr. Karen Feder (Dr. Brett), Kimberly Arata (Alan, Lt Col., USAF Ret), Gretchen Hummer (Steve), and Kristin Bamman (John). She had eight beloved grandchildren: Bryce and Ryan Arata (Anna); Lauren, Lindsey, and Bailey Feder (Lt. Jaron Marzitelli USAF) and Brooke Feder Hall (Grant); and Magnus and Charlie Bamman. She is predeceased by her parents and brother, John, Ethel and Jack Seifert. In place of flowers please consider a donation to Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee.

Laurie Anne McCullough-Leibfried, age 59, of Chester Springs, PA died suddenly on September 29, 2022 at home after a short illness related to an extremely rare form of lung cancer.  She was a beautiful woman, passionate about and dedicated to her family, her work and her horses and dogs.

She was born in Philadelphia in 1963 to Anne H. McCullough and Henry D. McCullough, Sr. and was the oldest of their three children (Lydia and Henry, Jr.).  She was a Girl Scout earning the highest honors, Brownie and Cadette badges.

She graduated from Downingtown High School and then earned her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Villanova University 1985.  Laurie worked in the family business before starting a long career with LNP Engineering Plastics.  She earned an MBA from West Chester University 1993 while she progressed through engineering and quality roles at LNP.  She became the Quality Assurance Manager and then became a Six Sigma Black Belt after the company was purchased by GE Plastics.  Laurie then became the first female plant manager within the LNP business, running the Thorndale, PA manufacturing site.  She was very proud of the relationships she built with all the employees and labor union in Thorndale.  The business was later purchased by SABIC and Laurie moved into business and product management roles for their polypropylene and styrenics product lines.  Her career there spanned 34 years.

Laurie met the love of her life, Richard Thomas Leibfried, while they both worked at LNP.  However, their relationship only began after they made a road trip together to a co-worker's wedding on Cape Cod.  After asking Laurie's parents for permission to marry her, Richard crashed his car leaving their snow-covered driveway!  He still went forward and proposed, and they were married on October 1, 1994.  Laurie passed a few days before their 28th anniversary. 

One of Laurie's passions was her horses.  On Christmas Eve 1974, the horses arrived after much pleading thanks to her parents careful planning and she (and her siblings) were hooked.  Laurie was a Graduate A of the United States Pony Club as a member of The Pickering Hunt Pony Club (as did her sister and brother!).  She competed in 3-day Eventing and later focused on Dressage.  However, her favorite event became the musical freestyle, where she rode choreographed dressage tests to best illustrate the strengths of her horses movements to music.  She competed in many major events, culminating in competitions including Dressage at Devon and the National Finals in Lexington, KY.  Laurie was especially proud that her horses were also suited to work with special needs equestrians, including her niece. 

Another passion was her dogs.  Along with her mother, Laurie bred, raised and showed English Cocker Spaniels under the Aberayy Kennel founded in 1993.  She had many champions and even showed one of her own females, Skarla, at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  Laurie was a thirty year member of English Cocker Spaniel Club of America and a founding member and first President of the Liberty English Cocker Spaniel Fanciers 2001. 

Laurie will always be remembered for trying to get the best out of herself and everyone around her.  We couldn't have wished for a better daughter, sister, aunt and wife and miss Laurie more every day.  Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Laurie was preceded with death by her father, Henry, Sr.  She is survived by her mother Anne, her sister Lydia and her brother Henry, Jr, and her husband Richard, nieces and in-laws.

A celebration of Laurie's life was held at the family farm.

Brenda Yike, beloved daughter, sister, and friend passed away on 10 September 2022 after a one year fight with cancer.
Brenda was born in Clemson, SC, spent her teenage years in Bath, OH. She settled in Atlanta, Georgia.
Brenda’s early love of horses led her to the United States Pony Club where she found her true calling a s a youth educator.  She touched thousands of lives through 40 years of coaching and judging across the country. She thrived on her interaction with young people and carried that into her professional work where she trained and mentored the front end team at Kroger, many of which were youth in their first job.
Brenda lit up every room she entered and always found a kind word for the people she encountered. She found joy all    around her. Her sense of fun, mischievousness, and penchant for holiday costumes will stay in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Brenda’s name to her two most passionate causes, the United States  Pony Club and the World Wildlife Fund.

Dolores Michelle Krabec passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022.

Dorrie was an active member of her community, where she volunteered with 4-H programs and the Treasure Coast Pony Club, where she served as the Club Secretary in 2020 and the Joint District Commissioner from 2021-2022.

Dorrie was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother, and was loved by many in her community. She always put her family first, spending countless hours driving to horse shows and homeschooling.

She left behind a husband, two daughters, three sons, a daughter-in-law, a grandson, a mother, a father, a sister, an extended family and countless friends.

Leslie McNiff, 62, of Santa Fe, N.M., passed away peacefully at home on July 5, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Leslie was born and grew up in Woodside, Calif., where she graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara. She was an accomplished equestrian as a member of the Los Altos Hunt and the Los Altos Hunt Pony Club. As a professional, she rode for Blakiston Ranch, where she showed Green, Open Jumper, and Hunters on the A and AA Circuit in California, Arizona, and Canada.

She was the owner and manager of Whiskey Hill Farm for 20 years, a full-service training barn. She taught lessons from beginners to top-level riders and was especially popular with the younger riding students, who considered her a coach, mentor, and friend.

Leslie moved to Santa Fe in 2016, where she worked as a trainer, barn manager, and coach at barns in Nambe and Abiquiu.

Leslie is survived by her brother Kevin Lockhart McNiff of Denver, Colo.; and her sisters Sydney McNiff Johnson of Ketchum, Idaho, and Anne Lockhart McNiff Gwathmey of Okatie, S.C.; and eight nieces and nephews.  She was pre-deceased by her parents, Walter Furbush McNiff and Georgette Ann Lockhart McNiff.

Hope Hand passed peacefully surrounded by family at age 73 on June 12, 2022, in Newton, Penn. Hand was a longtime supporter of the U.S. Pony Clubs (USPC) and worked with USPC to mainstream para dressage riders. In addition, she was the secretary of the Radnor Hunt Pony Club, from which her daughter was a D-3 H-M and D-3 EV member.

Most notably, Hand was the founder, president, and executive director of the United States Para Equestrian Association (USPEA), where she spent much of her time working to advance para dressage and para equestrian sport.

An active para-dressage rider herself, she was the first alternate at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, and she represented the United States at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics as the team captain and finished in fifth overall. She earned gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 1997 British Invitational and a bronze medal at the 1999 World Dressage Championships in Denmark. The next year, she was one of four disabled riders to compete on teams with able-bodied riders at the USEF Festival of Champions. There, she earned the Bradshaw Challenge Cup with her team.

Hand made herself available to anyone and everyone in the para equestrian sport community. She served on numerous boards and committees throughout the horse industry, including the FEI Para Dressage Technical Committee, the USEF Board of Directors, USEF Para Dressage Sports Committee as chair and vice chair, and the PATH International Advisory Board.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Hand; daughter Amy Cappozzoli and son-in-law Eric, and their children, Parker and Lincoln; a brother, Charlie Kean; sister-in-law Pamela Kean; and her West Highland Terrier, Finley.

Kernan R. Hodges, 84, of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away peacefully on June 12, 2022. Kernan was from Franklin, Tenn., where her passion for equestrian sport was evident from a young age. She was a founding member of the Middle Tennessee Pony Club, and she earned her A certification. She studied equitation at Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Va., before retuning to Nashville to complete her education at George Peabody College for teachers (now Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College). Following, she moved to Jacksonville to manage Deerwood Riding and Hunt Club.

In 1966, she and her husband, George H. Hodges, founded Deep Forest Stables, Inc. in the heart of the Hodge family’s 5,000-acre property on the south side of Jacksonville. There, she directed the raising, training, and boarding of hunter/jumpers. With her strong background in hunter/jumpers, in 1968, she helped establish the North Florida Hunter Jumper Association and served on the board of directors for nearly 50 years. She was also an “A”-rated judge and a member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

The philanthropic support of the Hodges family knew no bounds, and they were generous supporters of many benevolent and educational organizations, including but not limited to, the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida, the Bolles School, Children’s Home Society and Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her husband George, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clair D. and Elizabeth Faw Regen, and sister Betty Claire (Regen) Cathey, all of Franklin, Tenn.  She is survived by a nephew, John Regen (Leia) Cathey of Jacksonville, and niece Carrie Elizabeth Melson of Franklin, Tenn., in addition to a great niece and nephew and numerous cousins.

Beverly Jean Coons was born April 4, 1934 on 87th and Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas. After Beverly and her mother moved away she would ride the train to Kansas City to spend the summers with the Mackey’s and so began her lifelong love of horses.

She met and married Ted Chester in Carlsbad, New Mexico in 1955, they moved to Lenexa, Kansas in 1959 and thus began her showing and teaching career at Somerset Stables. Beverly was active in the Mission Valley Hunt serving as a whip for 17 years. In 1961 Somerset Stables moved to 119th and Blackbob Road, Olathe, Kansas with Mission Valley Pony Club soon to follow and Beverly and Patsy Hahn became the instructors.

In 1966 Beverly began serving as DC, a firm leader yet always sensitive to the needs of the young rider, she made preparation and safety of rider and horse her priority. She retired from the position as DC in 1984 after 19 years. Beverly remained with the United States Pony Club as a National Examiner culminating in the Founders Award in 2000.

Beverly had a long association with the American Royal Hunter/Jumper Show first as the assistant show manager and later the stable manager/coordinator. In 2010 the American Royal honored her as Horse Show Person of the Year. Influencing lives in and out of the ring, Bev was the ultimate Coach, Friend, Cheerleader and Confidant.

William “Bill” Dwight Weiss died in Jackson Hole at the age of 78 on Jan. 6, surrounded by his immediate family and grandchildren. His family provided the following remembrance.

Bill’s father was assigned to the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, and Bill was born in San Diego at the U.S. Army hospital on June 5, 1943, to William Erhardt Weiss Jr. and Martha Dwight Douglas. Bill grew up in Cove Neck, New York, and he spent much of his formative years at his mother’s family home during the summer on Lake Geneva, Switzerland. He always joked that his writing was so poor because his French was better than his English. His mother died when Bill was 15 years old, and his father married Mary Estelle Kitterman, who brought two step-siblings, Arturo Peralta-Ramos and Lorian Peralta-Ramos Buckley, into his life.

Bill attended Indian Mountain School followed by Avon Old Farms and went on to have a brief stint at Colorado College from 1962 to 1966, where he started the lacrosse team before departing for Parsons College. He earned a B.A. in business administration from Parsons College and graduated in 1968. A year later Bill met and married his wife Robin Biddle Martin. They began their life in Oyster Bay and Cove Neck, New York. Bill dove into the family company, Lambda Drug. He and Robin moved to Beirut, Lebanon, from 1970 to 1972, representing the family business in the Middle East. Upon returning to Oyster Bay they started a family.

1976 was a pivotal year for Bill and Robin. They wanted to leave Long Island and move West. They decided on Cody, largely because of Bill and his father’s connection to and interest in Western art and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Bill and his father had a deep love and appreciation of American and Native American art, which influenced their support of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Bill and Robin started the Patron’s Ball, which is still the main fundraiser for the museum to this day. Bill and his father ran Medtech Laboratories, where Bill became CEO upon his father’s death in 1987. During his time in Cody, Bill was also the head of the chamber of commerce and was appointed to the Wyoming Council of the Arts board by the governor of Wyoming.

In 1988 Bill moved his family to Jackson Hole, where he continued to run Medtech Laboratories. He was also the president of Winvesco Inc., a family investment company, from 1985 until his death. Jackson became home for Bill and his family, and he truly dug into the community and became a huge supporter of many nonprofit organizations. Bill stayed involved with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West while living in Jackson and supported the museum until his death. He was on the board of Avon Old Farms from 1985 to 1989 and on the board of Miss Porter’s School from 1994 to 1998. He was a vestry member and chairman of two capital campaigns for St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jackson. He was a board member and a treasurer for the United States Pony Club from 2000 until his death. He was also a board member and vice president at the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole from 2005 to 2012. Bill was a supporter and chaired the Grand Teton Music Festival, where he started the Wine Auction that became the festival’s primary fundraiser for several years. Jackson was where Bill called home, and he truly relished supporting the community and helping to make Jackson the amazing place it is today. To call Bill a pillar of the community is an absolute truth.

Bill and Robin spent most of their time in Jackson, but also enjoyed escaping the winter and spending several months out of the year at their home in Gulfstream, Florida. Bill also had a family home in Indian River, Michigan, where he was a member of the Columbus Beach Club and where his family spent many summers at their house, which overlooks Burt Lake. He was a member of the Rolling Rock Club in Ligonier, Pennsylvania; Piping Rock Club in Locust Valley, New York; The Brook Club in New York City; Bath and Tennis in Palm Beach, Florida; Creek Club in Locust Valley, New York; Seawanaka in Oyster Bay; Gulstream Golf and Tennis in Gulfsream; and 3 Creek Golf Club in Jackson.

Bill had an amazing zest for life as well as a larger-than-life personality. He would light up a room and command presence and was always giving advice, but he was never hurt if one didn’t take it. Bill was an accomplished athlete as a young adult and stayed active in golf, tennis, fishing and hunting for most of his life. He loved good food, drink, fun and friends. Bill loved all the finer things in life and was lucky enough to be able to experience it all. Perhaps his true legacy will be the impact that he was able to make and how many people’s lives he touched. He was always ready to help and make a difference, and his generosity knew no bounds. His influence reached far and wide and there will be many stories shared for years to come.

Bill is survived by his wife, Robin Martin Weiss; his children, William U. Weiss (Jean) and Katrina Weiss Ryan (Brandon); and his grandchildren, Hagen Caldwell Weiss, Alexandra Earhardt Weiss, William U. Weiss Jr., Madeline Douglas Ryan, Charles Martin Ryan and Olivia Demme Ryan.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody Wyoming or the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. The family will hold a memorial ceremony during summer of 2022.

Bama McNeill Rogers, 81, of DeLand, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday December 12th with family by her side.

Bama was born on March 3, 1940 in West Palm Beach, Florida, and grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. She was a graduate of the Montclair Kimberley Academy (Montclair, New Jersey) and the College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia) before returning to live in Florida. She was the daughter of prominent banker Robert McNeill Jr and Florence Stevens.

Bama’s passion was animals, especially horses. In 1987, she purchased property in DeLand (Glenwood), Florida and established Hanover Farm. She became the primary benefactor of the Bay Leaf Pony Club and enjoyed teaching riding lessons. Many local children got their start riding under the watchful eye of “Miss Bama”.

Bama had two daughters -- Gigha Steinman Moldrik and Heather McNeill Steinman. Both are successful equestrians and she was very proud of both of them.

Bama was predeceased by her parents and former husbands Arthur William Steinman and Ronald Rogers. She is survived by daughter Gigha Steinman Moldrik and her husband Michael Brian Moldrik, and daughter Heather McNeill Steinman and her husband Timothy Lee Allen and their three sons Chase McNeill, Jakob Allen and Peyton Allen.

A celebration of life will be held at Hanover Farm at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the United States Pony Club or any local animal charity.

Mildred Stevens Kopperl, 91, of North Sandwich, NH passed peacefully November 17, 2021. She was born in Harriman TN, January 2, 1930, the eldest daughter of Claude H. and Belle Stevens (Davis).

Millie graduated from the University of Tennessee with an undergraduate degree in Home Economics, then went onto Radcliffe College.
After graduations and marriage, Millie and her husband, George, moved to Concord and then Canterbury, NH to start their family and enjoy the rural life a farm had to offer. Later, in retirement, they settled at October Farm in North Sandwich, NH.

Millie volunteered at the New Hampshire Historical Society when she first moved to Concord and continued to be active and interested in all things historical throughout her life. She enjoyed helping the Sandwich Historical Society as well as volunteering as a docent at Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough.
She passed on her curiosity and love of horses to her children and granddaughters. Millie was involved with the United States Pony Clubs as one of the founders and District Commissioner (DC) of Echo Hollow Pony Club in Canterbury, NH from 1972-1975. She was Regional Supervisor (RS) for the Western New England Region from 1976 to 1987, Vice RS 1975 and 1998, and RS for the White Mountain Region in 1991. She served two terms on the Board of Governors, in 1977-1979 and 1984-1986. She served on the Nominating Committee in 1980 and the Advisory Committee 1988-1990. She also served on the Combined Training Committee. Millie received the Founders Award in 1998, was inducted into the Hall of Legends in 2004, and was a Festival Legend in 2011.
Millie loved her gardens. She loved cultivating an English-style garden in each of her homes over the years. She would often ‘liberate’ many native plants so they could grace her garden with their presence.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, George and her son Meredith. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Oran of Harriman TN, her daughter, Jane Kopperl of Arvada CO, and her granddaughters, Elizabeth Paliga of North Sandwich NH and Natalie Paliga of Honolulu, HI.
In Millie-fashion, a garden party to celebrate her is tentatively planned for late Spring 2022. If you wish to honor Millie’s memory in a way, please consider a donation to the Sandwich Historical Society, Kirkwood Gardens (Squam Lake Natural Science Center), or the United States Pony Clubs.

Francis "Frank" Joseph Bohdal, Jr. of Chester, Maryland died Saturday, November 6, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79. Born in Baltimore, MD on September 19, 1942, he was the son of the late Frank Joseph, Sr., and Marguerite E. Hagins Bohdal. Frank grew up in Brooklyn Park, MD, attended St. Rose of Lima School, graduated St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, received his DP Programmer Degree at a trade school in Baltimore, joined The U.S. Air Force in 1962 with an Honorable Discharge in December 1967. Licensed Amateur Radio Operator. He was a proud and experienced pilot, loved giving children their First Flight experiences in his Sundowner and presenting them with their First Flight Certificates. Annual Fly ins at Tangiers Island delivering Holly, trees, and Santa with presents for all the children. Life member of AOPA, EAA, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. and recognized as a USPC Legend, member of The American Legion and Stevensville Treasure Club. Loved animals, especially: Dogs, Cats and Horses, camping, scuba diving, boating, surf fishing, four-wheeling at the ocean, and music enthusiast. Among his proud accomplishments is his Knights of Columbus Passed Faithful Navigator and Passed grand Knight. Frank is survived by Lois J. Bohdal his loving wife of 58 years of Chester, MD; son, Frank J. Bohdal, lll of Pasadena, MD; daughter, Annette M. Ruths and husband Donald G., Jr. of Federalsburg, MD; five grandchildren, Lauren and Preston, Shellby, Stephenie and John, Sabrina and Bailey, and Donald Joseph "Boo"; two great grandchildren, Colbyn and Cambree.

Maj. Lester “George” Simmons, US Army, Ret., age 82 of Sanford passed away at Westfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sanford on Monday, October 18, 2021.

He was born on February 18, 1939 in Mashulaville, Mississippi to the late Cloyace Simmons and Eula Click Simmons. George was a veteran of his country and retired as a Major from the United States Army as a helicopter pilot with 20 years of service to his country. He was a two-time Vietnam Veteran. During his military career, he was the recipient of 2 Good Conduct Medals, Army Occupational Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal. Army Aviator Badge, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, a Bronze Star and The Meritous Service Medal. After his retirement he became a charter member and first Chief of the Benhaven Emergency Services where he served for 10 years. George was a District Commissioner for the United States Pony Club for many years. He loved being a part of his community and volunteered for many organizations, mission trips and equestrian clubs over the years. George served 5 years as President of the Ruritan Club. He was a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church for many years and later became Chairman of the Deacon Board at Hillmon-Grove Baptist Church in Cameron. He and his family enjoyed traveling together even beyond his military career. George truly lived up to the oath of “Service above Self” and lived out this oath beyond his military career. He was a true hero to his family and he enjoyed life to the fullest. “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Brigitte Huber Simmons of Sanford, NC; his son, Claude Eric Simmons of Ocracoke, NC; his siblings: Donald Simmons and wife Gretchen of Starkville, MS; Cecil Simmons and wife Susie of Mathiston, MS; Mary Stokes and husband Butch of Starkville, MS; and Vivian Hussey and husband Mack of Auburn, AL. He is also survived by his grandson, Shawn Collins and wife Jessica of Shelby, NC and a granddaughter, Morgan Simmons of Apex, NC and his great-grandchildren: Jasper, Lorelai Thomas and Teddie Collins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Vera Kristina Bryant; a brother, James Simmons and his sister Shirley Reed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hillmon-Grove Baptist Church, 384 Hillmon Grove Rd., Cameron, NC 28326 or to Enrichment Center Inc., Veterans Fund, 1615 S. Third St., Sanford, NC 27330.

Judy C. Swanson, nee Cross. Sept. 22, 2021. Age 73. Devoted wife of the late Neil Swanson and the late Vladas Neimantas. Loving mother of Walter(Kornelija) Neimantas, Renee(Lewis) De La Cruz, and stepmother of Arissa Walsh. Cherished grandmother of Plumm De La Cruz, Aleksandra and Viktorija Neimantas, and Madelyn Walsh. Judy was also survived by many cousins and dear friends.

Ontario – On September 3, 2021, Devyn passed away at age 31.  She is survived by her parents, Lance and Karen Merritt; sister, Brittany Merritt; husband, Taylor Anderson; other extended family members.

Devyn was a well-known young woman in the Genesee Valley due to her interest in Eventing.  Her participation in horse sports started at the ripe age of 7 years when she became a member of the Mendon Pony Club and later a founding member of the Lake Effect Pony Club.  She advanced  to become an H-A which is the highest certification in Horse Management.  She was certified as a B in what is a Traditional Rating.  In 2018, she was the Beginner Novice Rider Champion in Area 1 and was Nationally ranked at that level. In 2017, she competed in the final Walnut Hill Carriage Show with a mini horse loaned to her by a dear friend.

Devyn achieved her blue belt in Jui Jitsu at Gracie Jui Jitsu in Victor.  She was known for her ferociousness and killer Triangle choke on the mat!

Devyn played paint ball and air soft for several years.

She was an avid hunter spending many hours in tree stands with her Dad, bagging a buck her first year!

She loved to sing and was in chorus throughout high school.  She also was a varsity cheerleader her freshman and sophomore years.

Devyn graduated from North Carolina Wilmington University with a degree in English Lit.  She worked at Countrymax where she met her husband, TaylorAfter Countrymax, she worked for Paychex before having to be medically retired due to her diagnosis.

In 2013, Devyn was diagnosed with ocular melanoma.  She always encouraged others to get dilated eye exams as her eye tumor was advanced before it was detected.   

Throughout the course of her disease, she continued to live life.  She was an inspiration to others as evidenced by the hundreds of comments received on social media after her passing.

Her family wishes to thank the Ocular Melanoma team at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, in particular Dr. Takami Sato, the Palliative care and Oncology teams at University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Center and everyone who would send her words of encouragement, love and support when she needed it.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Devyn Anderson may be made in support of Dr. Sato's Uveal Melanoma Research at Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Please donate online to: Jefferson.edu/SupportUvealMelanoma and be sure to select the “in memory of” designation.

Checks can be made payable to “Jefferson”.   In the memo of the check please reference “Uveal Melanoma Research” and also note if the donation is in memory of an individual and mail to:

Marjory Fair Read, known to absolutely everyone as “Bodgie”, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2021 in Hockessin, Delaware. Bodgie was born in Washington D.C., and grew up in Middleburgh, VA, Merion, PA and Aiken, SC, the daughter of Josefa Hofmann Fair and Col. Howard Cleugh Fair and granddaughter of the world-famous pianist Josef Casmir Hofmann. Bodgie grew up with her sister, Loulie, riding horses in Aiken and she never stopped this life-long equine passion. After finishing at The Aiken Day School and St. Timothy’s School, she attended Bryn Mawr College and graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and worked as a Toxicologist at DuPont’s Haskell Laboratory. She married her Haverford College beau Robert Read in 1955 and together they raised their two children, Katherine and Howard, in their historic stone farmhouse in Newark, Delaware.

Bodgie shared her time, knowledge and life-long passion for horses with everyone around her and did so selflessly and tirelessly. As a riding teacher and Director of Riding at Sanford School for more than 10 years in the 1970’s and 1980’s, she introduced legions of young riders to the sport. After helping start the Sunny Hills Pony Club, she went on to volunteer for 41 years with the DelMarVa Region until she “retired” in 2020 with the distinct honor of having been the longest continuously serving Regional Supervisor in the history of the U.S Pony Club.

Bodgie’s contributions to the equine sport and its people did not end with Sanford or Pony Club. For more than 20 years she volunteered with the Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program, helping people find their strengths through horsemanship. And in the 1980’s, she was invited to set up dressage for the nascent Fair Hill Equestrian Events and she continued to volunteer with the Fair Hill International (FHI) organization for more than 30 years where she first served as Dressage Scheduler and Organizer for the three-day eventing sport. Not held back by her arthritic artificial knees, summer thunderstorms, windswept hills, or continuously muddy cars, she went on to work in the vet box, as course flagger, as precision sign maker, and for many years the Volunteer Coordinator for all of the Fair Hill International events. Her love of the sport and of the people was clear in the thousands of volunteers and competitors and their families –from toddlers to Olympians — with whom she developed a lasting kinship. Just recently, she said “All of those relationships made working those long hours at Fair Hill, in all kinds of weather, absolutely worthwhile.”

Bodgie was predeceased by her loving husband of 45 years, Dr. Robert E. Read and her sister Louise “Loulie” Fair Fox, of Santa Fe, NM. Bodgie is survived by her brother M. Skip Hofmann (Elaine) of Elkton, Maryland, her children Katherine Stafford (Frank) of Newark, Delaware, Dr. Howard Read (Julie) of Morgan Hill, California, 3 grandchildren Erika Smith Strasser (Rick), Robert Stafford and Claudia Read, and one great-grandchild Vera Strasser.

- - - - - - -
Additional Pony Club information from Howard Read:

For reference.

Here are the  members of our family who were in pony club and our highest rating. My sister achieved  HA.

Howard Read. Grandson of Col Fair.
sunny hills pony club  Delmarva D1

Katherine Read granddaughter of Col Fair now Katherine Stafford.
Lanchester pony club then Sunny Hills pony club. DelMarVa. HA

Erika Smith great granddaughter of Col Fair now Erika Strasser 
Delaware pony club. DelMarVa D3

  Leona Dushin, 95, a longtime Garrison resident, died on July 31.

She was born as Leona Margaret Christina Hauff on April 24, 1926, in Whitestone, Long Island, the daughter of Leonard and Frances (Chinery) Hauff.

Leona developed an affinity for horses as a girl while loitering at her grandfather’s barns that housed his horse-drawn shipping yard, her family said. Much to her parents’ dismay, she took a year off college to join the Ringling Brothers Circus, where she performed trapeze acts and rode elephants and horses.

Following her graduation from Queens College with a fine arts degree, Leona began a career in interior decorating at B. Altman and Company in midtown Manhattan. Through a friend, she was introduced to Frank Dushin and, after dating for some time, reluctantly followed him to Northumberland, England, where he was an adjunct professor teaching architecture.  They subsequently married there, her family said.

After traveling throughout Europe in a camper van, they returned to the U.S. and moved to Garrison following the birth of their first child. The property they purchased came with a horse, which propelled what would become her mainstay in the community as a riding instructor. In 1957 Leona started breeding horses and the next year established the Garrison Horse and Pony Club. In the late 1990s, Leona was honored as a U.S. Pony Club Legend.

Frank applied his craft to design their home — with Leona’s input — that is still perched atop the hilltop at Manitou Farm. After having four more children, she and Frank separated in 1971 and divorced in 1985. Frank died in 2007.

Leona’s life was filled with caring for horses, teaching riding, and embarking on fearless adventures with friends and family, locally and worldwide, her family said. Her favorite pastime was plotting new and engaging exercises for her students to gain mastery with horses. Her heart would sing when kids ran up to her, announcing how good their pony was after a lesson, they said. She would retort with a great big smile, “It was you who was good… they listened to you!”

In 1980, she established the Leonard Russell Hauff Foundation for Therapeutic Riding, named for her father. The organization is dedicated to teaching horseback riding to children and adults with emotional and physical disabilities.

That same year, Leona realized her dream of becoming a teacher, initially doing substitute work in Garrison, Beacon and Westchester County. She held a master’s degree in science and another in special education.

Leona also loved singing and playing classic tunes on her ukulele (often making up her own verses to add to an already amazing recollection of lyrics), painting, reading, visiting museums, learning history, traveling to remote places and watching Jeopardy.

She is survived by her children, Christine, Karl, Russell, Frederick and Margaret; her grandchildren, Cole, Sam, Eleanor, Alexander, Luca and Clara; and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Dushin and Theresa Hauff.

Centered Riding® Inc. is deeply saddened to share news of the death of Susan E. Harris, a well-known Centered Riding instructor. After a brief illness, Susan passed away on March 8, 2021, in hospice care in Ithaca, New York.

“The passing of Susan Harris is a great loss to the Centered Riding community and beyond – a loss that is made all the more painful simply because Susan was such a kind and amazing person in so many ways,” said Peggy Brown, President of the Centered Riding Board of Trustees, and a Level IV Clinician. “In 1989, when Sally Swift chose Susan as an apprentice, she certainly chose well. Susan’s dedication to Centered Riding, and to the well-being of horses and riders everywhere, was boundless. A friend and mentor to many, Susan will be deeply missed.”

Susan earned widespread, deep respect as a Centered Riding teacher, mentor, volunteer, and humanitarian. She was a renowned international instructor, clinician, author and artist/illustrator. Susan played a major role in helping to develop what is now a global community of close to 1,000 Centered Riding instructors – many of whom she taught and mentored personally.

Susan was selflessly dedicated to Centered Riding. As a volunteer with the organization, she served in many roles over the years. Susan also gave presentations at many Centered Riding symposia and other gatherings in North America and internationally. At the time of her passing, Susan was a Senior Centered Riding Level IV Clinician, Secretary of the Centered Riding Board of Trustees, Editor of Centered Riding News, and member of the Level IV Advisory Committee.

In 2004, the American Riding Instructor Association honored Susan as a Master Instructor. In 2020, Susan was awarded a lifetime membership in Centered Riding, in recognition of her tremendous contributions to the organization. Also in 2020, Susan sponsored the first-ever Centered Riding Instructor Diversity Scholarship, for riding instructors who are Black, Indigenous and/or Persons of Color to train and certify as Centered Riding Instructors.

In 1989, Susan apprenticed with Centered Riding founder Sally Swift (1913-2009). Susan was one of Sally’s dozen or so apprentices who worked with her between 1986 and 1992. On her website, Susan described her apprenticeship as “…a wonderful learning experience and quite an adventure – I traveled to 16 clinics in four months, got to ride everything from a [highly trained] dressage horse to a mule, and missed the San Francisco earthquake by one day!”

Since those early days of Centered Riding, Susan forged ahead as a tireless, compassionate and gifted Centered Riding teacher, mentor and promoter. She maintained a rigorous schedule that involved riding- and horse-focused activities in her home state of New York, and across North America and the world.    

Starting in 2009, the trailblazing team of Susan and Peggy Brown introduced Centered Riding to Japan, where there are now 10 Level I and Level II Centered Riding instructors actively teaching. Susan and Peggy also taught at the Icelandic National Horse School in Iceland. Susan illustrated four manuals, written by Helga Thoroddsen, for the Icelandic Agricultural College, to advance Centered Riding in Iceland. And Susan and Peggy made many other far-flung travels to teach and promote Centered Riding, including a memorable trip to the shadows of the pyramids in Giza, Egypt, and many travels to Australia.

A prolific and skilled author and artist, Susan wrote and illustrated several equestrian books, including the ever-popular “Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement” and “Grooming to Win,”now classics of their genre. Susan also wrote and illustrated several United States Pony Club Manuals of Horsemanship and guides to various horse-keeping skills.

Susan illustrated Sally Swift’s second book, “Centered Riding 2: Further Exploration” (Trafalgar Square Press, 2002) and she wrote the book’s chapter on Centered Jumping. Other books and projects to which Susan contributed her expertise and talents include:

· “Horse Brain, Human Brain” by Janet Jones, Ph.D.;
· “Balancing Act” by Dr. Gerd Heuschmann;
· “The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle Fit Book” and “The Western Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle Fit Book” by Dr. Joyce Harman;
· “The Dynamic Horse” by Dr. Hilary M. Clayton;
· “101 Jumping Exercises for Horse & Rider” by Linda Allen;
· “Getting in TTouch” by Linda Tellington-Jones;
· “Cross-Training and More Cross-Training” by Jane Savoie;
· “Equine Science” by Jeanne T. Griffiths; and art work and poster for the Breyer “Anatomy in Motion” model horse.

Susan also worked on several DVD projects, including “Anatomy in Motion: The Visible HorseTM” and “Anatomy in Motion: The Visible RiderTM” – a collaboration with Peggy Brown, “Anatomy in Motion” co-founder.

Susan was famous for her “Visible Horse” demonstrations and lectures, in which she created the “Anatomy Painted Horse.” As she painted the muscles and skeleton on a live horse, she would explain equine anatomy and function. Since 1996, and often working with Peggy Brown, who rode as “The Visible Rider” on “The Visible Horse,” Susan painted on countless light-colored or white horses and ponies at many major equine expos and clinics in North America, Europe, Australia, Iceland and Japan.

Susan is survived by her mother, Nancy Harris; her sister Robin; her brothers Chuck, Jon, Steve, and Ted; and several nieces and nephews. Susan’s Centered Riding friends and colleagues mourn her passing, sharing in this sentiment: “Rest well and in peace, dear and steadfast friend.”

Susan requested that in-memoriam donations go to Centered Riding, at www.centeredriding.org

Captain Frank Gordon Horn (USN, Ret.), 83 of Hume, VA passed away peacefully at his residence on February 22, 2021. He was born on June 9, 1937 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania to Frank R. Horn and Mary Margaret Hollowood.

Frank leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Jacqueline Horn; children, Jacqueline René Brown (David), Rhonda Lee Dobson (Ernest “Chip”), Mark Gordon Horn, Tanya Louise Matthews (Carl), and Rachel Cathleen Atlee (Michael Cotrufello),grandchildren, Steven Brown (Roni), Robert Brown, Carin Brown (John David Coker), Jacqueline Dobson, Caitlin Dobson, Eric Dobson, Alexis Horn, Riley Horn, Melanie Horn, Brinn Matthews, Ellie Matthews; Sean Cotrufello and Emily Cotrufello, and great-grandchildren, Evelyn Rose Brown and Thomas W. Brown.

Following graduation from Charleroi High School (1955), he attended West Virginia Wesleyan College receiving a Bachelor of Science in History (1960). On August 12, 1960, Frank graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned a US Navy ENSIGN. His magnificent career spanned 32 years (1960-1991).

Captain Horn commanded four afloat units: USS Calcaterra (DER-390), USS Richard E Byrd (DDG-23), Patrol Hydrofoil Missile Squadron Two (COMPHMROM 2, USS Yosemite (AD-19), and was assigned, as Department Head, Division Officer, Action Officer, or student, to other units including: USS Hunting (EAG-398), NATTC Glynco, GA, USS McNair (DD-697), USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23), Chief of Naval Operations – Ship Acquisitions, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Twelve (COMCRUDESFLOT 12), USS William H. Standley (DLG-32), Naval War College (2 tours), Naval Personnel Command (NMPC), and Senior Officer Material Management. His tours ventured onto all the “Seven Seas” and spanned our nations conflicts including the: Vietnam War, Bay of Pigs, Cold War, Multinational Intervention in Lebanon, Arabian Gulf Tanker War, Invasions of Panama and Grenada, the Gulf War, and Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission. On September 27, 1991, Frank retired from the US Navy, he remained active however as the Treasurer for the International Hydrofoil Society until recently.
Horn was very involved in the horse community of Virginia and the United States Pony Club. He managed Dominion Saddlery in Chantilly and Middleburg. He then managed The Old Habit in Marshall. He was an avid supporter of the United States Pony Club Games as a chairperson and ringside locally and nationally.
Frank was a man of his local, national and international communities. He was a Deacon at Hume Baptist Church. He worked with Exchange Students and was a wonderful host father. He supported public and private schools in the county. He spent time recruiting for the military and supporting anti-drug programs for youth in the country.

Winston Oren “Bud” French passed away peacefully at his home in Nelson, NH on November 25, 2020, surrounded by his family, after enduring a battle with Leukemia. He was born on March 11, 1958 in Keene, NH to Winston and Dorothy (Farwell) French. Bud was born on Town Meeting day - perhaps the only Nelson Town Meeting he ever missed.

A Devoted Father of 4, he was a “Stay-at-home Dad” before it was cool to be a stay-at-home dad. Bud was a fourth generation farmer raised on his family farm in Nelson, NH. He was known to drop whatever he was doing to help a friend, stranger, or animal in need.

Bud graduated from Keene High School in 1976. He enrolled in Los Alamos Dressage and Combined Training Center in Baptistown, NJ to study Equitation, Dressage, and Combined Training/Jumping. This experience fueled his life-long passion for riding and training horses. Bud achieved his United States Pony Club “B” level rating and went on to teach riding and horsemanship for various organizations. He became the District Commissioner for Monadnock Pony Club, a position he held for many years, inspiring generations of young riders.

Bud graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Animal Science before joining the Veterinarian practice of Tenney, Fritz, and Combs where he assisted Dr. Combs with equine farm calls and many barnyard adventures.

With a deep love of his town and community, Bud was eager to help Nelson wherever he was needed. He held various town offices, including Road Agent, Conservation Commission, Cemetery Board, Gravedigger, and Selectman.

Bud was a member of the Nelson Fire Department for over 30 years, becoming acting chief in 2013 and chief in 2014. He sponsored a regional “Firefighter I” certification class conducted by the NH Fire Academy which graduated 22 local firefighters for Nelson and neighboring towns. Andy Anderson, deputy chief with the N.H. Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical services, remarked “Chief French is an inspiration and a dedicated leader. You people are lucky in Nelson to have him as chief.” One of Bud’s proudest accomplishments was working with Jack Bradshaw to donate a rescue truck to the Nelson Rescue Department.

Bud enjoyed sharing his love of farming. He brought farm critters to local schools and the infusion suite at Cheshire Medical Center. He hosted an annual “Farm Day” for students from Symonds and Nelson Elementary Schools to visit his farm, experience animals, gardening, syrup production, and hay rides. He was often recognized and greeted by young people who experienced these activities and referred to him fondly, as “Farmer Bud”.

A “Jack of all trades”, Bud was the person to call whenever you needed help: rock wall building, haying, driveway repair, plowing, maple syrup. If he couldn’t help directly, chances were, he’d know someone who could. He was a loyal friend and neighbor who always supported those around him. Bud supported the Nelson Congregational Church serving in various capacities including Trustee, Deacon, Clerk of the Works for the Melville Hall addition, and a general steward of the building and its facilities.

Bud will be greatly missed by many, especially his loving family, including his wife, Kelly; their four children, Winston “Marty” and his wife Katie, Whitney, Megan and Ryan; adorable grandson, Winston James French; three siblings; many treasured nieces and nephews and a farm full of animals. He is predeceased by his parents, Winston H. French and Dorothy M. (Farwell) French.

A celebration of Bud’s life is being planned for summer 2021.

Bud was integral to the farm and earth he loved. In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to go outside, take a long, deep, cleansing breath and marvel at the beauty of the world around us. Bud would want us to appreciate every day and be fulfilled by a life well-lived.

Age 95, born May 26, 1925, passed away September 28, 2020. Mary Glover Smith, The Original Mary Smith, 95, of Charlottesville, Va. died on September 28, 2020 in her apartment at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge. Born May 26, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio, Mary was the daughter of Dr. Donald Mitchell Glover and Dr. Leona vanGorder Glover. She was preceded in death by, in addition to her parents, her three siblings, Albert vanGorder Glover, Donald Mitchell Glover Jr and Leona Glover Champeny and granddaughter, Lydia Boyce Smith. Mary attended Hathaway Brown School and was selected the co-Honor Girl of her graduating class. Her college education at Wellesley College was interrupted when she married Craig, her high school sweetheart. She completed college at National College of Education, Evanston, Ill., after her children were old enough to help with her math homework. She taught first grade at both the Winnetka, Ill. Public Schools and The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pa. Mary served on the Amasa Stone House for Senior Women, and the Lake Erie College Boards. She also served as a District Commissioner for the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club Pony Club, as Secretary for the National Pony Club, and also on the Board of Governors and the Advisory Council. An accomplished figure skater in her youth, later in life Mary was bitten hard by the horse bug and became a skilled dressage rider. For many years she owned and managed Logan's Corner Dressage Center. Her goal was to maintain the barn and horses to Pony Club standards. When Mary was just three months old, she spent her first summer in the Adirondacks. The Adirondacks became the center of her year; first on the mainland and then on the Island. Camp, as she called it, became the touch stone of her life; the place she reset her compass. Mary, or GranMary, as she was called after the birth of her grandchildren, earned eternal gratitude and esteem from her grandchildren for teaching them the finer points of camp living; water fights, how to pour water through knotholes on unsuspecting diners below and short sheeting beds. She found mischief and laughter and loved her grandchildren dearly. Mary possessed an incredible gift of hospitality. She would seek opportunities to gather as family and friends. She and Craig traveled to almost all of her children's and grandchildren's high school, college and graduate school graduations and it was not unusual for them to come to swim meets, drill teams, rowing, or just show up. Mary is survived by her husband of 75 years, the love of her life, Craig Richey Smith, four children, Timothy vanGorder Smith (Barbara) of St. Louis, Mo., Dr. Craig Richey Smith (Patricia), Bronxville, N.Y., Patricia Smith Nabers, Orange, Va., Marcia Smith Colby (Patrick), Orange, Va., seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, and sisters-in-law, Joan Smith Bossio and Virginia Glover A special thanks to her physician Dr. Katherine Jaffe, the Doctors and Staff at the UVA Memory Clinic and her faithful caregivers, Janet Parker, Jesica Baker, Marta Staples, Emily Gogoll, Kate Longstreet, and Mary Jones, whose love and care added quality to Mary's life and gladdened her heart. Due to the complications of life and death in the time of a pandemic, a Memorial Service, conducted by Chaplain Elaine Tola, will be announced at a later date. It is anticipated that there will be remote access available for the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue, 5145 Taylor Creek Road, Afton, VA 22920 or Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, 16497 Snyder Rd, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

Patricia A. Buckwalter, age 77 years, of Ringoes, NJ, died Sunday, October 18, 2020, in the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Reading, Berkshire, England, July 27, 1943, daughter of the late Albert G. and Pearl A. Unwin Towndrow, Trish had resided in the Hunterdon County area since 1972.

A US citizen, she was a graduate of a nursing school in Canada and was formerly employed as a nurse’s aide in Canada where she and her family first emigrated from England. She later emigrated to the United States where she became an accomplished equestrian and equestrian teacher for many years. Trish later was employed by a lawyer’s services firm, Charles Jones, Inc, Trenton, NJ.

Trish was a former President of the Amwell Valley Trail Association; former Master of Fox Hounds and former Master of the Amwell Valley Hounds. She was also an equestrian teacher for the British Horse Society and for the United States Pony Club.

Surviving are her husband of forty-six years, John R. Buckwalter; a daughter and son-in-law, Ann E. and Pat Morsella of Coopersburg, PA; a son and daughter-in-law, Thom and Lisa Buckwalter of Austin, TX; a brother John Towndrow and his wife, Susan, of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada; a brother-in-law, Alan Buckwalter of Santa Fe, N. Mex.; and two grandchildren, Miranda and Adelaide Buckwalter.

 Chatham, IL—She believed bacon grease flavored all cooking and a pot of coffee was a single serving. She loved a nightly cocktail or two and reluctantly gave up cigarettes after decades of investing in the pleasure. She hated coconut as much as she hated snakes. She was not fond of cats, but always had a dog and a horse or more nearby. She loved her garden, making raspberry jam and giving away produce to her friends. She never wore sunscreen, only grudgingly used a seat belt after it became the law and miraculously could count her speeding tickets on just one hand.

Nancy Lanphier Chapin died August 7, 2020 at her home in Chatham Illinois. Born on April 19, 1938 in London, England to Robert Carr and Mary Catherine Edmands Lanphier, Jr., she spent all but a few years of her life in Sangamon County, Illinois and the whole of her adult life at the farm Windridge in Chatham.
Nancy liked organizing and directing people, making lists of chores, planning social events and family gatherings. She generously shared her opinions and was confident in her assessments. One community icon warmly identified her as sometimes "prickly". She liked getting things done and was commanding right up until the last hour of her life. Passionate about community service, philanthropy, education and history, she championed local history initiatives in the community and at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS). Go check out the Sangamon Experience at UIS!
Growing up in the city of Springfield, Nancy was a horse crazy kid much to the dismay of her parents. Her grandmother gave her a horse for her 12th birthday which she kept at a boarding barn near Washington Park. She rode "Sunnyboy" all over Washington Park often hoping to meet up with the twenty something bachelor who rode a fancy high stepping horse. Everyone can imagine she thought Charles "Chick" Chapin was quite dashing. They married right after her 20th birthday and within a few years were living at Windridge with horses, children, dog, cats and the goat Snoopy.
She was adamant her children and nephews would not grow up to be "sissy city kids" and made sure they knew how to prepare a horse or cow for show, mow with a tractor, use a chainsaw and shoot a gun. Mostly, they were expected to work and finish the tasks she assigned from The List written on legal sized paper. She was especially relieved when her daughter Sally moved back to Chatham these last few years to help her with the everlasting to do list of living. Of course, she left a list on her computer for "after death".
For many years Windridge was a hub of horse activity, hosting clinics, camps and the Sangamon Valley Pony Club. Nancy and Chick organized nationally sanctioned equestrian competitions for decades and officiated at competitions all over the country. She was an official scorer in the equestrian sport of eventing at World Championships and the Olympic Games.
Nancy loved new technology, math, spreadsheets and taking tests. She always had the newest computer and the latest techie gadgets. She had extensive spreadsheets on farm business, financial records, and anything that could be tracked or quantified. In school, she reportedly shocked her high school teachers by scoring perfectly on the SATs. She was awarded a masters degree in psychology from UIS/Sangamon State University after spending just one year at Smith College playing a lot of card games. Who knew you could take a test and go straight to graduate school?
Nancy was a member emeritus of the Anti-Rust Club, a women's literary club in Springfield. She also held leadership positions in multiple community organizations.
She was married 57 years to Charles Armstrong Chapin. He died in 2015. She was also predeceased by her parents and her sister Jeanne Lanphier Lawrence. She is survived by her children Anne E. Chapin (Curtis Peterson), Charlottesville, VA, William L. Chapin (Tamara), Redwood City CA, and Sarah A. Chapin, Chatham IL, granddaughter Annika "Nika" Chapin as well as siblings Robert Carr Lanphier III (Glen Arbor, MI) and Mary Lanphier Collins (Roger) Santa Fe, NM and many loved nieces and nephews.
Nancy fervently wished to have family and friends gather for a celebration of her life at Windridge at a time when people are able to hug. The Chapin family is grateful for the compassionate care and diligence of Dr. Mary Saunders and Dr. Nora MacZura and her excellent team as well as the attentive caretakers from Memorial Home Hospice and Home Instead. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sangamon Experience at UIS or a charity of your choice.

David M. Maurer, fondly known as “Bubber,” passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2020 in Pueblo, Colo. He was born April 23, 1953, in Beacon, N.Y., to David L. Maurer and Elizabeth Mae (Betty Barber) Maurer.

As a lifelong professional horseman, David taught horsemanship to equestrians from his home in Rocky Ford, Colo. David held many important positions, including president of the Mountain States Combined Training Association for the Northern Colorado Chapter; coach for the Centennial Pony Club in Fort Collins, Colo., as well as the Millbrook Pony Club in Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; and coach for the United States Military Academy Equestrian Team at West Point, N.Y. He was the instructor for The United States Military Academy at Morgan Farm, West Point, and also served as a groom, accompanying Princess Anne in Canada on her coach, as well as training and driving teams of Clydesdales for Anheuser-Busch. He also served as District Commissioner for the West Point Pony Club in West Point, N.Y.

David was described as a fun-loving and kindhearted person who had quite the sense of humor. He is survived by daughter Tina Boughton and family; daughter Debra Booth and family; daughter Julie Erickson and family; daughter Beth Peabody and family; sister Terry Maurer and husband Terry Jordan; sister Roberta (Maurer) Bull and husband Albert; seven grandchildren; and many extended family members.

Ashley was an H-B graduate of Autumn Ridge Pony Club  in the New Hersey Region. Debra Allen states, "Pony Club instilled in Ashley the qualities that followed her throughout her life. Pony Club along with her hard work and dedication to everything she took on paved the road for her success, not only with her horses, but in life. Horses and Pony Club were indeed one of the best and most rewarding experiences I could ever have afforded my daughter."

On Sunday November 3, 2019, Ashley Alexandra Katherine Allen entered Heaven the way she lived her life; with courage, dignity and grace.

Ashley was born on a sunny day on May 19, 1992.  From that day forward, she brought nothing but joy, happiness and sunshine into our lives and the lives of many others.

Ashley grew up on a small farm in Milford, PA.  She quickly became a lover of animals, especially horses.  She started riding lessons when she was six years old and continued until she was no longer able to ride and compete.  She was an accomplished rider with all the finest qualities of a true horsewoman.  Her beloved horses Max, Jack, and Nick taught her so much and she loved them unconditionally. 

Ashley attended Delaware Valley High School and graduated with honors in 2010.  She had grown up wanting to be a veterinarian, but felt she could do more good helping people.  She was accepted to Misericordia University where she studied nursing and graduated with honors in 2014.  She was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Nursing Society.  Ashley’s first nursing job was on the PCU floor at Sentara Hospital in Norfolk VA.  She loved the job and people she worked with, but found her niche in the emergency department.  She loved the fast pace of emergency medicine.

Always a quiet, determined achiever, Ashley applied to her beloved Misericordia University and was accepted into their MSN/DNP graduate program.  In the middle of these studies and while continuing to practice as an ER nurse, Ashley was struck with cancer.  The advice to take time off and to resume her studies at a later date, was not an option for Ashley.  She said that it was important for her to finish on time; it mattered to her.  Through countless chemotherapy treatments, doctor visits and hospitalizations, Ashley continued her studies and graduated with her class in Dec. 2018.  Ashley was born with the heart of a lion and unrelenting determination.  Ashley’s doctor called after her passing and told us “all people die but not all people live”.  Ashley lived!  She packed so much life into her twenty seven years.  She traveled, rode horses, chased her dreams, worked in a profession she loved, fell in love, mended a broken heart and still put one foot in front of the other battling what she knew from the start was an incurable cancer.  She did so with grace, dignity, integrity and courage.  She battled cancer to the very end; cancer did not beat Ashley.  Ashley faced cancer head on, unafraid and armed with the love of Jesus Christ, her Savior whom she rededicated her life to on June 30, 2018.  Lovingly surrounded by her family and friends, Ashley was re-baptised by her brother in Christ, Sam Morris.   The sun shone brightly upon her when she arose from the water.  Ashley was alive in Christ even more from that day forward. Although we may no longer physically see Ashley, we believe she has left an indelible mark on all of us lucky enough to have known her.

 Ashley would want all of us to remember her with a smile rather than with tears.  She would want us to find comfort in knowing she is free from pain and home with her Heavenly Father, her family gone before and her beloved horse Jack.  Ashley will always continue to bring sunshine into our lives.  We will miss her witty sense of humor, her contagious smile, her love of life and her innocent nature.  She will  be deeply loved forever and will never be forgotten.  Ashley Allen was that “one in a million” special kind of person.

Ashley is survived by her loving parents Gary and Debra Allen, her dearly loved brother, confidant and best friend Bill and her maternal Grandmother, Ruth Rosencrance.  She is also survived by many special aunts, uncles, cousins and cherished friends.  She also leaves behind her puppies Layla and Tess who protected her and who were always by her side.

Georgiana Hubbard McCabe, died from complications of metastatic melanoma on August 27, 2019. She was 78 years old. Born in Greenwich, Connecticut on March 14, 1942, to Chauncey and Virginia Hubbard, Georgiana attended Greenwich Country Day School, The Garrison Forest School and graduated from Sarah Lawrence University. She also spent a highly formative gap year in France where she formed a lifelong love and connection to the region. Upon graduation from Sarah Lawrence, she moved to New York City, where she married and worked as a school teacher in both New York City and at Greenwich Country Day School. Her specialty was French language lessons.

It was during this time that she also first started her lifelong career in philanthropy and community service, working with the Volunteer Service Photographers. Later, she served on the board of the Metropolitan Opera Guild, was the chairwoman of the board at the Gateway School in Greenwich and was a founding member of the APPLE Committee at Greenwich Country Day. Georgiana served on the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce and was on the board of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC). She also served as District Commissioner of the Greenwich Pony Club. Georgiana cared for and hosted countless animals at her various homes, including at Rocklawn Farm in Greenwich, a place that would also provide an informal respite and learning center for countless children (and adults) over the years. And while her passion was for horses, donkeys and bees, there were also plenty of dogs, cats, chickens and various other creatures which she provided with love, food and nurturing.

Many of Georgiana's beliefs were shaped by the women's movement of the 1970s. With her children growing up, she wanted a fresh start and a new life away from the grind of New York City, so she moved to Standardsville, Virginia in 1991. Making new friends along the way, she embraced Green County living to the fullest, building her beloved Snow Mountain Farm and opening a retail nursery. Georgiana was also a lifelong conservationist, and perhaps her biggest volunteer accomplishment was in 1995, when she helped found and Chair the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR), an organization that protects and conserves private land for equestrian use. In 2002 she was also named as a fellow of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute. She also became a board member at the UVA Cancer Center, with a focus on a group called Patients and Friends Research Fund, which focused improving the quality of life for people living with cancer and terminal illnesses.

Georgiana was predeceased by her parents Chauncy and Virginia, as well as her brother Elijah. She is survived by her two children, Caroline (William Springer), and Nicholas, as well as a grandson, Sam Springer. In early August, she made the difficult decision to discontinue cancer treatment, and to head back to her beloved farm. "We came back to Snow Mountain Farm to celebrate our time together," she said shortly before she passed. "The stories and laughter and ice cream socials we had along with movie night, the flowers, butterflies, birds, bees, cats, friends, and gigantic delicious meals, that made it just delicious for me. Who cares about manners! For me, the sense of wholeness that comes from friends and family just resting in each others' company, without any sense of strife nor disagreement, is simply divine." In the end she moved on to her next journey with amazing grace in typical "Giana" fashion, teaching one final lesson: despite life's inevitable struggles with pain and confusion, it can also give way to peace, companionship, healing and love.

Mrs. Ann Rickard Haller passed away August 25, 2019 in Manassas, Va at the age of 56. She was born Sept 2, 1962 at Fort Benning, Ga to the late Col. Daniel Rickard and Meta Stuart Fooks Rickard.

Ann is survived by her mother, Meta Fooks Rickard of Columbus, Ga; her brothers Paul Rickard (Brooke) of Midland Ga and Col. Tom Rickard (Elizabeth) of Ft. Meade, Md; her aunts Mary Alice "Tuke" Shoemaker of Belton Tx and Mary Bolling Fooks Whittemore of Falmouth, Me; and her uncles Robert Fooks (Peggy) of Norfolk, Va and James Rickard (Kay) of Traverse City, Mi.Ann was preceded in death by her late husband Mr. Roger Haller and by her father Col. Daniel Rickard.

Ann's love of horses and her involvement in the equestrian world began at the age of eight with the assistance of her aunt, Tuke Shoemaker, who introduced Ann to Pony Club. This grew into a lifetime passion and career, and led to her meeting and marrying a giant in the equestrian world, Roger Haller.
Working both together with Roger and on her own, Ann traveled the nation and the world, working everything from local horse shows to huge international events.

Ann was involved in so many aspects of eventing and was truly at the heart of the sport. She embodied the real spirit of an eventer with a “get it done” attitude pitching in to make sure whatever needed to get done was done.

Ann worked in the press office at many events around the country including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fair Hill International, Rebecca Farm, NAYC, World Equestrian Games, and the USEA American Eventing Championships, just to name a few. She often multitasked as the cross-country controller or took on other roles as needed.

A self-declared “army brat,” Ann grew up all over. She was a graduate H-A pony club member from Hood Pony Club (Texas) and was a member of more than half a dozen pony clubs. She continued to be involved in Pony Club for over 25 years as an instructor, clinician, coach, National Examiner, Chief Horse Management Judge, past member of the USPC national eventing and horse management committees, and past member of the USPC Board of Governors. She was a Level II USEA Certified Instructor as well as being a USPC Level IV National Examiner, and an FEI Steward. In 2006, she was inducted into the USPC Academy of Achievement.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the United States Pony Club Annual Fund (PonyClub.org/giving/annualfund), or to the Roger Haller Education Fund (USEAFoundation.org/donate).

On August 8, 2019, while bird hunting in Argentina, Boyce Cooper Magli, age 76 made one last good shot and died. He died doing what he loved - hunting and being with his friends.

Boyce was born to Wilbur and Nellie Boyce Magli. He grew up on a horse farm in Williamson County, Tennessee. A graduate of Battle Ground Academy, Class of 1961, he maintained lifelong friendships from his time there. On January 17,1964, he and Angela Cheryl Sherling were married. During their marriage of 55 years, they had two children Wib (Jennifer) and Cooper (Emily) and four grandchildren whom he cherished: Virginia Rose, Genevieve, Luke and Boyce. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Yvonne Magli. He was close to his brother Tom Magli, his sister Ann Webber (John) and his nieces Kemp Steib (Mike), Margaret Webber, Lauren Magli, Lilo Buppert (Bill), Charlotte Krasinski (Ray), nephew Chase Magli; and brother-in-law Randy Sherling (Kathy).

Few have lived a life as full. An accomplished equestrian, he was a charter member of the Middle Tennessee Pony Club. During his youth he was known for winning pony races at the Iroquois Steeplechase on his pony Wee Biscuit. Later, he fox hunted, rode a few bulls, raced motorcycles, walked away from a plane crash, hunted and fished all over North America, and had a grand time playing the role of Big Daddy, a pimp and drug dealer in a U.S. Special Forces training exercise.

His was a life lived in constant motion, filled with friends and family. There was nothing that Boyce loved more than hunting and being with his friends and family, a close second was negotiating a real estate deal. He filled his life with the things that he loved, often standing in a duck blind with a duck call in one hand and a cell phone in the other, hunting and working a deal at the same time. A telephone conversation with him during the winter would often be interrupted with a whispered, "hold on, hold on…" then the sounds of a duck call. He ignored the old maxim not to mix business with pleasure. To him, business was a pleasure and he conducted it with an ever expanding network of friends. Boyce was active in the real estate industry for nearly 54 years and first licensed in 1965. He was the owner and broker of Magli Realty Company in Franklin, Tennessee. The Williamson County Association of REALTORS (WCAR) awarded him the REALTOR of the Year in 1977 and he was the Tennessee REALTOR of the Year in 1981. He served on the WCAR Board of Directors and as President in 1977. In 1979 he served as the president of the Tennessee Association of REALTORS. Other notable business accomplishments include being a founding director of Brentwood National Bank and chairman of the Bank's Executive Committee. Not only the real estate industry benefited from his leadership, but the hunting, fishing and conservation sector as well. He was appointed to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission by Governor Phil Bredeson and served from 2003 to 2009. He was instrumental in the founding of the Harpeth Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation. His memberships in the Buffalo River Hunting Club and the Forked Deer River Hunting Club provided him with many pleasurable days in the field. He was a member of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club since 1970 and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a longtime member and supporter of Ducks Unlimited, the Wild Turkey Federation, and the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. In a life filled with accomplishments, perhaps his greatest achievement was the large group of friends with whom he shared deep bonds. 

Ashley Marie Stout, 13, of Port Matilda, died Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. Born January 15, 2006, in State College, she was the daughter of Craig and Susan D. Moscone Stout of Port Matilda. In addition to her parents, she is survived by brother, Alex C. Stout of Port Matilda, her paternal grandparents, Cyrus (deceased) & Kathleen Stout, of Scranton, Pa; maternal grandparents, Ken & Kitty Moscone, of Sarasota, Fl. In addition, Ashley has a paternal sibling, Ty Cerino of Wilmington, NC, and many aunts & uncles she loved dearly; Jan Moscone, Kim & Jim Kramer, Kelly and Mike Radzicki, Chris and Tammy Stout, Charlie and Sarah Stout, Karen and Joe Beveridge, Brian and Kathy Noviskis, Kenny and Sheila Moscone, and too many cousins to list.

Ashley was an eighth-grade student at Park Forest Middle School and was an avid equestrian She had been actively competing since she was 6 years old. Ashley was a C-2 member of Standing Ovation Pony Club Riding Center in the Eastern Pennsylvania Region. In 2017 at 11 years old, Ashley won the Junior Beginner Novice 14U Eventing National Championship held in Tryon, N.C. She has been competing in USEA horse trials for three years and began riding her horse, Avant Garde "Grady", in the spring of 2018 with great success. In June, they won the Junior/Young Rider Open Training division at the NJ Region's H.T. and finished second in the Prelim/Training division at the Bucks County Horse Park H.T. She is currently ranked as the #2 Junior Rider nationally and was determined to reach #1 by the end of the summer. Ashley was preparing to represent Area II Young Rider Training Three-Day Team at Rebecca Farm, Montana, later this month, in addition to grooming for the Area II North American Youth Championships (NAYC) team. 

Major General Jonathan “Jack” Burton (ret.), died on May 29 in Tucson, Arizona at the age of 99. Burton was predeceased by his wife, Joan. He is survived by his son, Jonathan “Jock” Rowell Burton, Jr. (Pace) of Chesterfield, Virginia, and daughter Judith “Judy” Lewis (Don) of Tucson, Arizona.

General Burton, always a horse lover, was born in 1919 and began his equestrian career galloping racehorses as a young boy. He enrolled in the ROTC Horse Cavalry Division while at Michigan State University and upon graduation headed to Fort Riley, Kansas, headquarters of the U.S. Cavalry School. Enrolled as a second lieutenant in the Ninth Basic Horsemanship Class, he studied weapons administration, riding, shoeing, veterinary procedures, conditioning, marching, planning maneuvers, pathfinding, night compass courses, and stable management. When the U.S. entered World War II, Burton and his regiment were shipped to Australia to prepare to fight as infantry under General MacArthur and from there he was shipped to New Guinea.

At the close of the war, Burton headed back to Fort Riley to teach Advanced Horsemanship. For the 1948 London Olympic Games, Burton was selected for both the show jumping and three-day eventing teams, then ultimately competed on the show jumping team. Eight years later at the 1956 Stockholm Olympic Games he rode for the U.S. Equestrian Team on the three-day eventing team. In 1953, Burton helped organize the first continuous horse trials in the U.S. along with Margaret Lindsley Warden and William Haggard. He also had the honor of writing the first rulebook for combined training.

General Burton served two and a half years in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division as a brigade commander and as an assistant division commander. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit (1st OLC), Distinguished Flying Cross (2nd OLC), Air Medal (V Device & 54 OLC), Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Ribbon.

After 33 years in the U.S. Army, Burton retired as a Major General, last as commander of the 3rd Armored Division in 1975. Jack served as Executive Vice President for the U.S. Equestrian Team for 10 years and as President of the U.S. Combined Training Association (now United States Eventing Association) from 1985-1987. He was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame and the US Dressage Federation Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the group that established the North American Young Rider Championships in the 1980s. He worked as an FEI judge, technical delegate, and steward until the age of 92. Burton was instrumental in Pony Club as a judge and technical delegate helping aspiring riders with Olympic dreams. 

A lifetime's commitment, not only to eventing but to other equestrian disciplines as well, has resulted in a sport that is strong and viable and substantially better because of Burton's guardianship.

Burton will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery later this year.

Dorothy Maxfield was born in 1943 in New York, NY. Sadly, she passed away of natural causes on February 17, 2019 in Mobile, AL.

While growing up on the family farm, Hobby Horse Hill, in Readington, NJ, Dorothy and her sisters owned their first pony. This sparked a life-long passion and dedication in her as an equestrian. Her professional career spanned over 50 years with her training and riding all the way to Grand Prix and including winning the USDF Gold Medal. She was a graduate "A" Pony Club member, and was an enthusiastic eventer in younger years, spending a year with the US Three Day team from 1963 to 1964.

Dorothy earned her "R" USEF Dressage judge's license and "r" Eventing license, as well as, an USEF Technical Delegate's license for both dressage and eventing and a FEI Dressage Stewards license. Dorothy was always dedicated to teaching young riders at Pony Club, accompanying generations of them to Championships over the years. She was a lifetime member of USPC,  involved both locally and at the national levels. She was awarded a USPC Jubilee Legend in 2005. She was also the organizer of various reoccurring recognized shows at Hobby Horse Hill and Amwell Valley Event and toured the country giving clinics and lessons.

Dorothy truly committed her life to training horses and students of all levels, her most important legacy for which countless remember her. Her compassion enabled her to take complex and complicated concepts and break them down into smaller, understandable pieces and then teach the rider to communicate those concepts to their horse. She helped shape so many other equestrians that she will live on through each of them. She will be missed by so many.

She is survived by her daughter Deborah Kuschel (Gunnar), her identical twin sister Diane Kohout and her younger sister Martha Hoffarth (Anton).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., 4041 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511 ATTN: in memory of Dorothy Maxfield. Or a donation can be made online at https://www.ponyclub.org/secure/Forms/MakeAGift.aspx. In the note section, please include in memory of Dorothy Maxfield.

Judith Johnston Gilman passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at the age of 87.

Judy was born to Ina and V.A. Johnston Jr. on July 9, 1931, in New York. She grew up in New Jersey, graduating from Gill-St. Bernards School and Bennett Junior College.

In 1970, with the enthusiasm of her husband, she fulfilled her dream of moving to Virginia’s horse country, which allowed her to passionately pursue many equestrian sports. Her life centered around her family, horses and her dogs, and she freely devoted much time sharing her vast knowledge and experience. She had a meaningful impact on many in our community, including teaching children to ride as the DCof the Casanova-Warrenton Pony Club (1972-1979), serving as Secretary and Treasurer of the Old Dominion Hounds and co-chairing the Montpelier Border Terrier Rally. When not with four-legged friends, she was an avid tennis player.

Judy was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, A. Robert Gilman, VMD.

She is survived by her daughters, Andrea Gilman and Julie Sullivan (Brent); three grandchildren, and her two sisters.

Stephanie L. Patrick-Chalfant, 63, of Rye, passed away at her home, surrounded by loving family on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Stephanie was born on August 21, 1955 in Exeter, a daughter of Priscilla (MacCallum) Patrick of Rye and the late John W. Patrick. She was raised in Rye and graduated from Portsmouth High School with the Class of 1973. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Animal Science Degree from UNH in 1977 and her second Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from UNH in 1979.

Theater was her passion; she worked a number of jobs within the industry over the years as well as holding membership with Actor’s Equity and the Screen Actors Guild. Aside from her many appearances on stage as a talented character actress she worked primarily behind the scenes as one of the seacoast areas foremost costume designers. Among many local playhouses and performance venues Stephanie worked at the Hooker Howe Costume House of Haverhill, MA, the Hampton Playhouse and for the last 15 years as the Costume Shop Supervisor for the University of New Hampshire Theatre Department.

She was also an accomplished equestrian and horse woman devoting 50+ years of service to the United States Pony Club as a member, volunteer and most recently District Commissioner of Squamscott Pony Club.

In addition to her mother, Stephanie is survived by her daughter, Lilliana Chalfant who resides in Prague, Czech Republic and her sisters, Shelly L. Patrick of Rye and Stacey L. Patrick of Coplin Plantation, ME. She also leaves behind many cousins, her horses and her special Irish Jack Russell, “Charlie.”

Elizabeth “Bubbles” Moore, 99, of Darling, Middletown Township, died peacefully in the home she built with her husband, on Dec. 27, just shy of her 100th birthday.

A true Renaissance woman, Mrs. Moore was an accomplished equestrian who was named a “regional legend” by the United States Pony Clubs, an award-winning gardener who competed in the Philadelphia Flower Show for 52 years, and a longtime volunteer at Riddle Hospital. She was also a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was an independent, courageous woman before the word “feminist” entered popular lexicon and she encouraged many young people to embrace life. Mrs. Moore was born on March 31, 1919, to Elizabeth and Jeffery Cuddy in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended the Laurel School in Cleveland, Ohio, and Bennett Junior College in Millbrook, N.Y. In 1940, she moved to Brooklin, Maine, and worked at the Blue Hill Hospital as a nurse-in-training. She taught first aid on the islands in the Jericho Bay. In 1940, she volunteered with the Kentucky Frontier Nursing organization, caring for the horses that carried the healthcare workers to see their patients who lived in rural areas. She loved the coast of Maine and, during her 20s, she raised a young pig named Mimi, often taking the pig to the beach. 

In 1945, she married E. Townsend Moore, and together they moved to Darling, PA., where they renovated an old bank barn into a stunning country home and raised three children, Linda, Townie and Peter. They also built a stable, which was home to many horses through the years. Mrs. Moore was dedicated to preserving open space in the community and in 2008 she put her property in a conservation easement with the North American Land Trust.

Mrs. Moore was instrumental in starting the Rose Tree chapter of the United States Pony Clubs. Inc., and, over the years, instructed many young equestrians in dressage, jumping, fox hunting and horsemanship. She was a member of the Rose Tree Hunt Club, and attended the 50th anniversary of the historic Hunt Club’s relocation to York, held at Rose Tree Park in 2014. Mrs. Moore also served as a fence judge for many three-day competitions held at Radnor Hunt Club and helped organize the annual Dressage at Devon event.

Mrs. Moore is predeceased by her husband, Townie who passed in 1994, and her daughter, Linda (1978), who shared her mother’s passion for horses. She is survived by two sons, Townsend of Kirkwood, Pa., and Peter of Brooklin, Maine, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Ruth Halvorsen Hughes, born on August 27, 1929 in Scarsdale, New York, to the late Greta Schwartz Halvorsen and the late George Halvorsen, passed away at age 89 on November 21, 2018. 

Ruth was married to the late Byron Gail Hughes for 65 years and is survived by her sons, Byron G. "Scooter" (Traci) Hughes, David H. (Patti) Hughes, and Andrew "Wick" (Karen) Hughes; daughter, Sarah E. "Libba" (Jerry) Hughes; and grandchildren, Sydney Hughes, Byron G. (Kelsey) Hughes II, Kepler Hughes, and Ruth Hughes, and her special '1st cousin' Sarah Tate.

She also leaves behind her adored dog, Speedy. Ruth was the Training Barn Foreman at Forest Retreat Farm for many years, and was instrumental in starting many a successful race horses. She was the former MFH of Licking River Hounds, and was a frequent volunteer at Keeneland Pony Club ,which she was instrumental in starting events at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

Deborah Kraus Lochner, VMD of Spencer, TN passed away at Cookeville Regional Medical Center on September 7, 2018 at the age of 72 following an extended illness. Dr. Lochner was born July 20, 1946 in Wilmington, Delaware to Philip Berkeley Kraus and Marjorie Patt Kraus, who preceded her in death. She grew up in Landenberg, PA where she was an active member of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. 

Upon completing high school, she attended Michigan State University, but left prior to graduation after receiving an early acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Following her graduation, she worked for several years as a practicing small animal veterinarian before starting a family. She placed a high value on education and home schooled all five of her children.

As an adult, she continued her involvement with the Unites States Pony Clubs, Inc. and was the founder of both the Sundance Pony Club in Stillwater, OK and Mossy Creek Pony Club in Fort Valley, GA. She served as a District Commissioner, adviser for the Youth Congress, and a member of the USPC Board of Governors. She worked towards a Masters Degree in Technical Writing at Oklahoma State University and later taught Biology at Georgia Military College in Warner Robins, GA. In addition, Dr. Lochner was certified as a Master Beef Producer and a Master Gardener. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served as a youth leader and in various rolls within the Boy Scouts of America.

Dr. Lochner is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Frank Lochner, DVM and their five children; Laura E. (Garrison) Smith of Kent, CT, Natalie R. (David) Austin of Stillwater, OK, Katrina M. (Zac) Gowen of Fort Valley, GA, Charles R. (Jamie) Lochner of Fort Valley, GA, Douglas K. (Kimberly) Lochner of Fort Valley, GA, and thirteen grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers; John and Robert Kraus, and sisters; Patricia Kraus Holt, Betsy Kraus, PhD and Kathryn Kraus McClure, MD and mother-in-law Helen Glass Lochner. She will be greatly missed.

Debra K. Peskor, 62, of Rochester passed away suddenly on Friday, June 29th, 2018 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Ripley, West Virginia on August 17th, 1955 to the late Frederick Dana Wolfe (father) and Janet Schaumloeffel (mother). The family moved to the Rochester area when Debi was 8 years old. She is a 1973 graduate of Monroe High School.

Debi was the Vice Regional Supervisor of the Western New York Region from 2007-2012.

Debi is survived by her loving boyfriend of 2 years Don Gay, son Eric (Jamie) Peskor, son Kirk Peskor, brother Michael Wolfe, sister-in-law Donna Wolfe, brother David (Andrea) Snyder, brother and sister-in-law Gary and Carlene Gay, nephews Chris (Sarah) Wolfe, Nick (Kathlin) Wolfe and Greyson Snyder, grandson Luke Peskor, great nephews Jacob and James Wolfe, along with many loving friends.

Beloved wife of John Raye, passed on May 2 at home in Chatham. She was deeply loved by her family: Kimberly Raye Woolley & Peter Woolley of Medfield, Karin Raye & Bradford Steiner of Newton, William and Kristen Raye of Harwich and her grandchildren: Hannah, JT, Shea, Zachary, Sam, Ella, and Jack. She leaves her brothers, Steven Parker, George Parker, and Philip Parker, and many adored nieces and nephews and their children.
Paula was an outstanding volunteer civic leader who has held numerous positions of prominence in her community. She was a member of the Granby School Board and served on the Conservation Commission and many other local committees. Paula was on the board of the Holcomb Farm, a non-profit environmental farm just outside of Hartford, whose aim is to involve inner city as well as local children and adults in organic agriculture and learning and appreciating the arts and the environment. Paula was a B Traditional member of the Old Norfolk Hunt Pony Club, which was a real achievement as she never owned a horse, but rode whatever was offered. She was on the USPC Board of Governors, served on numerous committees, and was Secretary of USPC. Paula was a member of the first ever Academy Of Achievement in 1999.

Judith Hardin Stickley of Chelsea, AL passed away on March 6, 2018. She was the daughter of Edwin Milton Hardin and the late Edith Loraine Hardin of Birmingham, AL. She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Charles Stickley and daughters Anna Katherine and Leah Marie Stickley, one sister, Jenny Renee Childers (Richard), niece Rachel and nephew Adam Childers of Birmingham. Sister-in-law Dr. Denise Young (Dr. Jeffery Young), nephews Andrew, Steven and Brian Young, nieces Erin and Leigh Young of Charlottesville, VA and by Michael's parents, Ken & Margaret Stickley, also of Charlottesville.

Judy graduated from Huffman High School. She received her Bachelors and Master of Civil Engineering from UAB. She was a Senior Structural Engineer for Christy/Cobb, Inc. where over 32 years she completed more than 250 structural engineering projects including industrial plants, water and wastewater facilities, commercial and educational buildings, large residences and site related structures. She was past president of Structural Engineers Assoc. of Alabama. She was also past President of Central Alabama Chapter of American Concrete Institute. She served on the International Residential Code Building and Energy Code Development Committee 2000-2001 and on the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations Code Advisory Committee 2000-2004. She was a member of Tau Beta Pi and the Wood Truss Council. She was published professionally and was a presenter at conferences. An active member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, she was for 27 years a member of the Cathedral Ringers, taught Sunday school and VBS. She was a Lenten Lunch Day Chair, and a member of the St. Elizabeth's Guild.

A life-long equestrian, she held numerous offices in the United States Pony Clubs, Inc., where her daughters participated. Judy served tirelessly in the South Region as a parent volunteer, club officer, Horse Management staff member and Vice Regional Supervisor. She assisted in teaching the members in the South Region a love for equine education. Judy exemplified the quintessential volunteer in kindly service, encouragement and enthusiasm.

She instilled in her own children the appreciation of all living creatures. She considered her children the greatest gift from God and was involved in all their activities. A devoted wife and mother, she valiantly fought cancer for a year to live for her young daughters and her husband. The family would like to thank the caring staff of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, whom Judy loved and appreciated.