In Memoriam

The medical staff, in awe of Don’s dedicated family and friends, allowed him to go home about a week after surgery. Aware of all his blessings, Don praises his supporters. “Mary Trowbridge and AHDF was our lifeline, and donations from a GoFundMe were astounding. Ken and Lisa Steffes of Dahl’s Pharmacy donated all the medical equipment and supplies needed for Teresa to take care of me at home, and there were countless others in the Arabian horse community who helped us financially and simply by checking in and asking how I was and how they could help.”

Then there’s the donor family. Contrary to usual procedure, the McFarland family inquired about Don’s progress (and eventually learned) that the LeFever’s owned a horse training business. In time, with the assistance of Life Source, due to the complex policies involved in direct communication, the LeFevers learned more about the donor family and their teenage daughter, Shyla. Meetings were arranged, and after an emotional get together with all families, Shyla began taking weekly riding lessons, quickly gaining expertise both in the saddle and in everyday horse care. Soon, she was showing LeFever lesson horses locally with success, and today, owns and shows her very own Arabian horse, the 10-year-old bay gelding Vhickttor WHG. The family also enjoys camping and other activities with the LTC crew.

The LeFever family’s incredible turn of events illustrate how tenacity, loyalty and empathy re-write ones’ destiny. Don’s description of life today is one of many blessings. “The McFarland family will forever be an integral part of our lives, and we are truly grateful to the Arabian horse community and so many individuals for their care and concern. My health is flourishing thanks to a lifestyle of healthy food and exercise, and our son, Jordan, is dedicated to becoming the second generation of LeFevers running our training center. Yes, all is good.”

Shyla McFarland aboard Vhickttor WHG.

Judith “Judy” Ann Sirbasku (1938-2021)

Judy was born in 1938 and graduated from Harding High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She met Jim Sirbasku, the love of her life, on a blind date at the age of 16. They were married in 1959 and moved to Waco, TX in 1968 where their union lasted over 50 years until Jim’s passing in 2010. It was here that they raised their children, David and Susan.

When Jim and Judy purchased their first straight Egyptian Arabian mare, Judy discovered a profound passion for the breed. They later purchased land and Rock Creek Arabians was conceived. Judy’s devotion to her beloved horses made her a steward for the breed. Her unwavering affection and allegiance to her horses, spanning more than four decades, produced a multitude of champions that made a global impact on the industry.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ethel Murray, husband, Jim, and siblings Margaret Scherer, Ben Murray, Adelaide Duffy, Mary Nelson, Kathleen Minea and Donald Murray.

She is survived by children David Sirbasku and Susan Priest, granddaughter, Zoe Sirbasku, and a host of nieces and nephews. Patricia A. “Patsy” Jarvis (1938-2021)

Patricia was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Charles and Eleanor Jarvis. She was Vice-President and second generation of C. Jarvis Insurance. Her interests included horses, gardening and attending or watching anything her granddaughter did, the love and shining star of her life.

Patricia is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Raith (Richard), daughters Sandra and Kimberley, and granddaughter Brooke Marie Jarvis. Mark Wharton (1960-2021)

Originally from Australia, Mark ran Peregrine Bloodstock LLC in Lexington, Kentucky with fellow Aussie Quentin Naylor for nearly 25 years. He was a familiar face at Arabian horse events around the world, from shows to conferences and racing, Mark was always there to add his valuable insight and share anecdotes with friends.

“On May 16, 44 years after we first met, Mark quietly slipped away. I have still to comprehend a future without him, but it seems his passing has stirred something very deep in those he touched, so that even in these troubled times, people are recalling him to be the catalyst which led them to the joy of owning an Arabian horse.

“...so much still to contribute and gone far too soon, it’s up to me now, and the horses we created together through our joint vision, to carry his presence into the future through the beautiful Arabian horses which were his life. Godspeed Mark …” ~ Quentin

Randy Meyer

A long-time lover of Arabian horses, Randy worked passionately to promote the breed for decades. Randy fought a long and valiant battle with cancer, passing peacefully on July 5th, with his wife, Leigh, by his side.

Having trained and shown Arabians since the early 70s, Randy, a respected trainer among trainers in main ring halter and performance, with his wife ran Meyer Show Horses at Rhapsody in Blue Stables as a chief program consultant and farm and breeding manager.

Egan

C A Ultimo+// (1995-2021)

Bred by Priscilla Normington and lovingly owned by John and Sheryl Yochum, this beautiful chestnut gelding (C A Hermoso x Citation Of Merit) since 2000, honored his trustees with the well-earned title of all-time most winningest Hunter Pleasure horse with 41 National titles in Open, Junior Horse and Amateur/Youth (12x Champion/9x Reserve and 20x Top Ten). Ghazimoto (1996-2021)

Ghazimoto was no stranger to the horse show world. Bred by esteemed breeder and trainer Michael Byatt, the bay Half-Arabian gelding (El Ghazi x Princess Greystone) was a 14x Regional Champion and Reserve winner, 2x Scottsdale Champion and 3x National Champion/Reserve in English Pleasure Open, AOTR/JOTR for multiple owners before finding his final resting place with Lian Oteiza in 2012.

“… my barn aisle will not be the same without you in them … those big, kind, loving expressive eyes. You are a legend and everyone who knew you loved you. I cherish my most memorable moments in the show ring with you. The energy you brought into the arena when you hit the gate was like no other … always one with the crowd. The true definition of a show horse. I love you big boy, rest easy.” ~ Lian