Naomi Blumenthal, president of the National Professional Horsemen’s Association and a respected show manager who served as a mentor to many, died today at her home in upstate New York. She was 78.
A paragon of efficiency, running shows with flair and dedication, she also was.national treasurer of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, Ms. Blumenthal “was a moving force and source for the whole organization,” said Robert Cacchione, the group’s founder.
She managed the New York State Fair’s show in Syracuse for more than 40 years. Its organizers noted, “She was the first name in horse shows in the region and her skills led her to national prominence in her field. She might have been the first in the nation to bring computers into the barns to manage horse shows. Our thoughts are with her family and the scores of horse show riders and fans who benefited from her wisdom and skill as a mentor, teacher and promoter.”
Blumenthal was the mastermind behind the development of the first Apple-compatible show management software. When Apple heard about what she and a developer had built, they flew her to their headquarters to demonstrate their breakthrough software. She managed shows for a plethora of breeds and disciplines.
PHA Vice President Kathy Pinera noted, “She was the glue that held a lot of shows and finals together.”
Her admirers were many, having learned important things from her, whether they involved riding lessons or lessons in life.
“One of the greatest things about Naomi was that whatever crazy thing, good or bad, happened at a horse show, she had probably seen it before,” said Megan MacCallum.
“After more than 40 years on the job, there was not much that could take her by surprise. She had a vast wealth of knowledge, and she was always willing to share it with others. I learned so much from her.
“Whenever people talk about the great horse show in the sky, they usually mention horses or riders or judges. But now the show will have a fantastic manager as well.”
Ms. Blumenthal competed as a junior in hunter, jumper and hunt seat equitation before going on to ride in the amateur-owner hunter and jumper divisions until she became involved with show management. She spent two decades on the Cazenovia College (NY) faculty, where she contributed to development of its equine studies program and coached the riding team. Her student riders included IHSA individual national and reserve champions.
In 1999, IHSA recognized her with its Lifetime Achievement Award for three decades as an IHSA director, zone chair, regional president, membership committee chair and member of IHSA National Championships, rules and finance committees. She also was honored with the PHA’s Frank Hawkins award for her contributions to the sport.
“She helped a lot of people in the horse industry get a leg up,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director.
“People will never know how many she’s helped. She always thought about other people. She was a self-made woman and could be tough but had a soft heart. As a human being, she was tops. She will be thoroughly missed. There will be a void without Naomi Blumenthal.”
Ms. Blumenthal is survived by her daughter, Shari Schneider and her husband, Corey Schneider, as well as three grandchildren.
Donations in her memory may be made to the IHSA’s foundation at https://iefscholarship.org or to the National PHA care of Chris Dwyer, P. O. Box 566, Shenorock, NY 10587
An in-person memorial service will be organized post-Covid. A virtual memorial service will be held Sunday Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. Eastern time. Here is the information for those who wish to attend via Zoom or phone:
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