She was outspoken, determined and totally devoted to three-day eventing. The sport lost one of its most ardent advocates last week, when Trish Gilbert died at 83.
Doing it all, and doing it well, was the trademark of a very practical woman who was one of a kind. While in this era she might be identified by most as president of the Fair Hill International, and the emergence of the new Maryland 5-star, her contributions were far more numerous.
From Pony Club District Commissioner to involvement with governance at the national level, designing cross-country courses, organizing competitions, becoming a technical delegate and selector, as well as officiating at the Olympics, Trish knew every aspect of the sport and served it well. For her contributions, she was made a member of the U.S. Eventing Association Hall of Fame.
Trish Gilbert
“She was a remarkable individual and without ego,” said Sally Ike, who had been a friend of Trish’s since the mid-1960s when both were eventing at the USA’s highest level.
Their paths crossed often, beginning with their early days as riding colleagues. Sally became managing director of eventing when Trish was in charge of the discipline for the U.S. Equestrian Team. Then Sally designed show jumping courses for Fair Hill while Trish was at the helm.
“All she wanted to do was do the best for the sport,” Sally, emphasized.
Fair Hill event secretary Mary Coldren understandably still can’t believe she won’t be having her frequent phone calls with Trish, which were a big part of the mission they served together.
“I truly admired her knowledge and her practicality and her love of the sport. It was always for the good of the sport. That was always where her heart and focus was,” said Mary.
“The events at Fair Hill, the horse trials and everything else, have stood the test of time because of Trish.”
Jim Wolf, Trish Gilbert and Tim Dutta with Jan Byyny during a Fair Hill trophy presentation. (Photo © 2013 by Nancy Jaffer)
Mary noted Trish passed her love of eventing along in her family, first to her daughter, and more recently, her granddaughters.
“She was a great supporter of her granddaughters Ryan and Carlin who event also,” said one of Trish’s daughters, Rumsey Keefe.
“If she couldn’t make it to watch them ride, we would send her videos of competition and lessons, which usually was quickly followed up by a phone call to them or me to comment on what she saw and thought.”
Rumsey recalled that Trish would listen to people who sought her counsel, then she would “look at at the big picture and try to figure it out,” even if it involved “taking in people who needed a little more guidance and security in their life.”
A native of Virginia who was involved in running the Blue Ridge Horse Trials during the 1970s, Trish moved to Churchville, Md., in 1983 and became involved with equestrian activities at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Area. When the U.S. fall championship held at Chesterland in Pennsylvania ended its run after the 1988 edition, Trish was a member of the group that found it a new home as the Fair Hill International the next year. Those events always included a lively party.
In 2017, Trish headed the effort to bring a 5-star to Maryland. And in 2021, the USA’s second 5-star event debuted at Fair Hill. Although it is not run by Fair Hill International, Trish remained involved with the event.
On Facebook, Shelley Page conjured an image that brings to mind with a smile the thought of other eventing greats we have lost, and eases the pain somewhat.
“There is a bar in heaven with Roger Haller, Ann Haller, and Jimmy Wofford sitting at a table…. In walks Trish. Oh, the laughs they will have.”
Jane Thery, expressing her condolences on social media, stated, “Trish Gilbert. Now that is a woman who left a positive mark on our world. As she said in my Pony Club cross-country clinic many years ago, “Go forward. Do not stop.”
Trish’s husband, Bill, a racehorse trainer, died in 2011. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Elizabeth Looney (Gregg), Rumsey Gilbert Keefe (Tim) and Samantha Gilbert Brennan (Pete); a son, Raymond Richard Guest (Mary Pat); and stepson William Pepper Gilbert (Alice). She is also survived by her brother David Donovan (Teresa) and sister, Deirdre Donovan; 12 grandchildren, and seven step-great grandchildren.
Contributions in her memory may be made by check to Fair Hill International. 378 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, Maryland 21921or online at fairhillinternational.org.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date, possibly at the time of the Maryland 5-star.
