Diana Firestone, as well known in the horse show world as she was in the racing world, died in Florida Feb. 12 at the age of 91.
Mrs. Firestone and her late husband, Bert, had a racing stable that included 1980 Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk. She is the mother of show jumper Alison Robitaille, who has ridden for the U.S. team many times.
Diana Firestone.
Born in New Brunswick, N.J., she was the granddaughter of Robert Wood Johnson, the founder of Johnson & Johnson. Mrs. Firestone was the daughter of John Seward Johnson, an executive with Johnson & Johnson, and Ruth Dill Johnson. After learning to ride in England, Mrs. Firestone competed in shows and fox hunted in Virginia.
“She was an amazing mother and an amazing horse woman,” said Alison Robitaille.
“Pretty much every animal loved her. Whether it was dogs, horses, whatever; when it came to animals, she was like a magnet. She gave to me my love of horses and introduced me to them at an early age, which I am very grateful for.”
Mrs. Firestone received the Walter B. Devereux Trophy from the American Horse Show Association (the predecessor of the U.S. Equestrian Federation), for having exemplified good sportsmanship through commitment, dedication and service.
In addition to Allison, Mrs. Firestone is survived by her other children; Lorna Stokes, Christopher Stokes, Cricket MacDonald and three stepsons; Matthew Firestone, who was an eventer; Ted Firestone and Greg Firestone. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren.