Fran Steinwedell, a fervent supporter of horse sports, passed away Monday.
“She loved her family and was passionate for horses and the show jumping community. She spent much of her life improving our sport for the West Coast,” her daughter, Francie, wrote on social media.
A familiar figure at ringside, Fran supported the quest of another Californian, Anne Kursinski, to go to the Olympics. She bought Livius, Anne’s 1984 Olympic reserve mount who won the Grand Prix of Rome, then invested in Starman, Anne’s team silver medal mount at the 1988 Olympics. In 1996, Anne was aboard Eros, a horse in which Fran and her sister, Carlene Blunt invested. They were able to watch her be part of the silver medal team in that Olympics.
Fran Steinwedell with her sister, Carlene Blunt and longtime horse show manager Honey Craven in 2002. (Photo © 2002 by Nancy Jaffer)
An honorary life trustee of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, Fran was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame for the hours and contributions she devoted to the sport.
In addition to her sister, survivors include Fran’s three children: Bill and his wife, Barbara; Jim and his wife, Jennifer, and Francie and her husband Richard Carvin; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.