In Memoriam - People

Lila Kommerstad, one of America's most prominent dressage sponsors in the 1990s, has passed away on Sunday 23 August 2020. She was 94 years old. Lila was married to the late entrepreneur Robert Kommerstad, who passed in 2002. The couple was married...

The US Dressage world is still reeling from the loss of a beloved horseman breeder, clinician, and long time personality on the US Dressage scene.

Carol Lynn Smith of Montverde, FL went home to be with her Heavenly Father on August 26th, 2019. She was pre-deceased by her father, Robert Work and mother, Helen Wilson of Detroit, Michigan. She is survived by her sisters Marilyn Kasko of Fresco...

The USEA is very sad to announce that Ann Rickard Haller died suddenly today with what appears to be complications related to an ongoing medical condition. Ann was working as the press officer and cross-country controller at Great Meadow...

A colorful, joyful and creative person known to many for many years in the Wellington Community of West Palm Beach has passed away. After a heartfelt battle with cancer, John passed away at home on Monday, June 24. He has left a legacy of his amazing accomplishments which will live on through the power and strength of his work, and the love of his family.

Maj. Gen. Jonathan (Jack) Burton, who served his country in both World War II and Vietnam, is a legend in the U.S. equestrian world. A former U.S. cavalry officer, he represented America in numerous international equestrian competitions, including the 1948 and 1956 Olympics. Skilled in both jumping and dressage, Gen. Burton is perhaps best known for being one of the key figures behind the development of eventing in the U.S.

An accomplished equestrienne, Katrina was involved in almost every aspect of the equestrian world. Her accomplishments during her career are too numerous to itemize, from horse show trophies and ribbons early in life to numerous winning racehorses starting in 1973, and driving championships won by her ponies in this millennium.

American Grand Prix dressage rider Gwen Stockebrand has passed away, losing her battle against cancer. She was 64 years old. Stockebrand last competed nationally in 2013 on NA Sampson. In 2014 Gwen was diagnosed with cancer which she fought bravely and survived. However, the cancer returned and she lost her second, courageous battle.

I will not be in the least bit surprised if you fail to recognize the lady in the photo. She could be one of your fellow boarders. She does not lift up her voice in expectation of special treatment for herself or her horse by the barn’s management. She keeps her belongings under control and does not creep into shared spaces. She keeps her tack orderly so that the rest of us need not be concerned that visitors to our barn will think us a slovenly or careless gaggle of riders.

Those that shared her passion, whom may not have had the money to afford a PRE, were amazed when she’d kick it into gear and managed a way to facilitate their dreams. She was always upbeat, incredibly independent, and a pillar of strength to all who needed her sage advice.