John Franzreb, the legendary ringmaster who died in May, was inducted into the Washington International Horse Show Hall of Fame October 30. Here is the video tribute:
John Franzreb and his horn were in the spotlight at hundreds of shows through the decades. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Washington International President Vicki Lowell noted that since John joined WIHS in 2007, he had been “an integral part of the Washington family. He was a genial presence who always brought his wonderful style, smile and pomp and circumstance to the opening of each class and the presentation of awards. Start to finish, he was all class, warmth and kindness.”
John Franzreb and Vicki Lowell at Washington 2019. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
Vicki cited his long and varied career with horses. John rode as a junior, and then served as ringmaster, steward, and manager at major horse shows throughout the country.
For more than 40 years, his family farm, Clove Lake Stables on Staten Island, was home to more than 100 horses and served aspiring riders of all ages. His family’s horses and carriages were regular participants in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Beyond horses, he gave back to his Staten Island community, working with the Boy Scouts and the Red Cross. He sounded the bugle at the annual Groundhog Day Ceremony at the Staten Island Zoo.
Read John’s obituary here.
Created in 1997, the WIHS Hall of Fame comprises some of the great names in equestrian sport who excelled at Washington including William C. Steinkraus, Rodney Jenkins, Joe Fargis and Kathy Kusner.
The induction ceremony: Washington International President Vicki Lowell, Steve Serafin, Judith Franzreb and Steve Rector. (Photo by Kaleigh Collett)
This honor comes with a video tribute, a featured article in the WIHS Official Souvenir Program, inclusion in the WIHS Hall of Fame on wihs.org, and an inscription on the Hall of Fame Trophy. John’s wife, Judith, was on hand for the induction ceremony. For more about the Hall of Fame, click here .