A true horsewoman with high standards and a generous soul, Judy Hofmann Richter always did whatever she could for those who crossed her path, whether they were people or animals. A great deal was lost when she died today, because, as her longtime friend Jimmy Lee said “There will not be another.”
Judy, 83, was hospitalized in Greenwich, Conn., after complaining about trouble breathing and double vision, dying peacefully a week later, November. 30.
On her Facebook page, she described herself as “author,” and indeed, she wrote several popular books, including the wistful memoir, “Some Favorite Days.” Judy also shared her vast equestrian expertise in “Horse and Rider: From Basics to Show Competition” (1979) and “Pony Talk: A Complete Learning Guide for Young Riders” (1993).
Judy was recognized by the horse industry many times. She was named American Horse Shows Association Horseperson of the Year in 1974 and in 2020, she received the U.S. Equestrian Federation Pegasus Medal of Honor from the AHSA’s successor organization.
Judy was multi-faceted, a USEF judge and successful trainer who had been a private school teacher after graduating from Smith College.
Andre Dignelli, a star student of Judy’s who won the 1985 U.S. Equestrian Team Talent Search Finals and a team bronze in the 1991 Pan American Games, described his mentor as “a strong person, a tall woman with real presence about her. She exuded strength and was giving of her time.”
Judy Richter with her son, Philip, left and former student Andre Dignelli. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Both Andre and his brother, Michael, who runs Heritage Farm in New York with him, considered Judy “very special.”
Judy and her late sister, U.S. Equestrian Team member Carol Hofmann Thompson, grew up in New Jersey and attended Kent Place School in Summit, where Jimmy was Judy’s prom date. He recalled that after the prom, he and Judy and their friends went down to Union County’s Watchung Stables a few miles away “because I had just gotten a new horse, and of course, we had to ride him in the dark. Judy mentioned that so many times over the years.”
Of course, Judy rode the horse in her prom dress.
Judy on her induction to the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame with her sister, Carol. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
The Hofmann family was very involved with horses, not only hunting with the Essex Fox Hounds, but also competing in top-level showing. The girls’ mother, Mary, was joint District Commissioner of the Somerset Hills, N.J., Pony Club and their father, Philip, the CEO of Johnson & Johnson, drove a four-in-hand.
Judy married Max Richter and the two bought Coker Farm in Bedford, N.Y., named after Mr. Coker, the horse who brought the couple together. (Max was invited to ride Mr. Coker by Judy’s mother, and then asked Judy out on a date.) Judy lived at the farm until her death.
Over the years, she had a number of famous horses, including American Invitational winner Glasgow, ridden to great success by Olympic medalist Norman Dello Joio and subsequently by Judy’s son, Philip.
Judy and Philip Richter with Glasgow at the Hampton Classic. (Photo © 2011 by Nancy Jaffer)
Ellie Raidt, who rode with Judy as a junior, went on to become at trainer at Coker and compete on such wonderful horses as Johnny’s Pocket.
Among the other riders who excelled as juniors at the highest level under Judy’s tutelage were Alex Dunaif, Peter Lutz and Kara Hanley. Judy had a great deal of influence on many lives, including Ellie’s
“She was so encouraging and loyal. I wouldn’t be anything without her,” Ellie said. She recalled how Judy “insisted I learn to become a judge.” When Ellie received a pin from USEF commemorating her 40th year as a judge, she sent the photo to Judy.
Johnny’s Pocket was ridden to fame in jumper competition by Norman Dello Joio, who knew Judy.for half a century.
Judy Richter collected another honor as Norman Dello Joio gave a presentation speech in 2004. (Photo © 2004 by Nancy Jaffer)
“When she picked me to ride her horse, there were a lot more well-known, qualified riders,” said Norman, who went on to become an Olympic individual medalist..
“She stuck with me and believed in me and that was a game changer for me,” he continued, noting how they had interacted over the years.
“I’m going to miss that more than anything. She always said what she thought, and so do I. Sometimes it was great, sometimes there were fireworks,” he chuckled then added what so many knew about Judy, “She was one of a kind, that’s for sure.”
Expressing many common sense and thoughtful opinions made Judy an interesting conversationalist. Judy definitely was a person of character, as Jimmy remembers her.
“Judy stood up for what she thought was right, regardless of whether it was popular at the moment or not,” he said.
“Above all that, she was a good, good person. We’re very lucky to have known her.”
In addition to Philip, Judy is survived by another son, Hans (Jennifer), and two granddaughters, Maxine and Margot, as well as Richard Ten Dyke, her loving partner of the last few years.
A celebration of her life will be held at Coker Farm at a date to be announced in May.
Contributions in Judy’s memory may be made to the U.S. Equestrian Team and the American Cancer Society, because she was a cancer survivor.
