A celebration of life is set for 2 p.m. May 15 for respected horsewoman and author Judy Richter. The gathering will be held at her Coker Farm, 69 Stone Hill Road, Bedford, N.Y.
Judy, who died on Nov. 30, 2022 at the age of 83, was recognized by the horse industry many times. She was named American Horse Shows Association Horseperson of the Year in 1974. In 2020, she received the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Pegasus Medal of Honor from the AHSA’s successor organization. A strong-willed cancer survivor, she continued riding until the end of her life.
Judge Richter when she was honored by the U.S. Equestrian Federation in 2020. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
A multi-faceted trainer, a USEF judge and someone who always thought of the horse first, she trained numerous successful riders and horses. They included Johnny’s Pocket and Glasgow. There were many in the horse world on whom she was a huge influence, including Olympic medalist Norman Dello Joio, trainers Andre Dignelli, Peter Lutz, Kara Hanley, Alex Dunaif and Ellen Raidt.
Her late sister, Carol Hofmann Thompson, rode for the U.S. Equestrian Team, and Judy also was a supporter of the Team. Her husband, Max, died in 2007. She is survived by her sons, Philip and Hans (Jennifer), granddaughters, Maxine and Margot, as well as Richard Ten Dyke, her loving partner of the last few years.
Contributions in Judy’s memory may be made to the U.S. Equestrian Team and the American Cancer Society