Ellen DiBella, known for her contributions to western dressage and love of the Morgan horse, passed away Aug. 20 at the age of 79.
Her desire to build an equestrian community combining the Western traditions of horse and rider with classical dressage led to her becoming the founding president of the Western Dressage Association of America, which became a USEF Recognized Affiliate Association in February 2012. Mrs. DiBella served on the USEF board from 2005 to 2015, receiving the federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
The Parker, Colo., resident graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in sociology and a sub-specialty in medical social work. She worked with her husband of 58 years, Dr. Nicholas Di Bella, to build a successful medical oncology practice.
Ellen DiBella with USEF President Murray Kessler during the 2019 Pegasus Awards. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Mrs. DiBella was known worldwide for her love of Morgan horses over more than a half-century, originating with the purchase of her first Morgan in 1972. She was drawn to Morgans after seeing them used in the rehab program at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colo., following the Vietnam War. This encounter sparked her passion for horses and led to lifelong dedication as an owner and competitor, initially in Western Pleasure.
Her desire to build an equestrian community combining the Western traditions of horse and rider with classical dressage led to her becoming the founding president of the Western Dressage Association of America, which became a USEF Recognized Affiliate Association in February 2012.
According to Western Dressage Association of America President Cindy Butler, “Ellen devoted her life to service for equestrian sports and honoring horses. She inspired so many people, including me. Ellen DiBella had a way of making everyone she touched believe in themselves more and we are all better advocates for horse welfare and better people for having had her in our lives.”
American Morgan Horse Association President Carrie Mortensen recalled, “She was deeply involved with so many different organizations and gave of her time unselfishly for decades. Her contributions were countless. We will remember her not only for her ambassadorship of the Morgan horse and Western Dressage, but also for her impact on the entire equestrian community.”
Apart from her work for horses and equestrians, Mrs. DiBella helped found the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center Foundation, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families in meeting living expenses while fighting cancer.
In an interview with the Western Dressage Association of America, Mrs. DiBella noted, “Horses offer us an opportunity to be much better people that we could ever be without them. Whether you ride English or Western, you have the opportunity to have a two-way trusting partnership. The tools and principles of classical dressage naturally make for better and healthier horses and make us a better human being. It really is about the journey.”
Upon her acceptance of the Lifetime Achievement Award, she advised, “I would say to everyone love your horses. Listen to your horses. Be partners with your horses. Share your horses with as many people as you can, because those horses will make you better and make everyone else better.”
Survivors include two daughters, Catherine (David) Lindsey and Christine Hamilton.
Donations in Mrs. DiBella’s memory may be made to the Ellen DiBella Western Dressage Scholarship at the American Morgan Horse Educational Charitable Trust. There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Western Dressage Association of America’s World Championship Show Sept. 29 during the exhibitor party.