Ugh. Such sad news. I’m with you, Laurie and Lil Nibs. The greats are slipping thru our fingers.
I agree we have lost some wonderful horsewomen and horsemen over the past year. My thoughts and prayers with their families and I am lucky enough to have watched and appreciated their horsemanship over the years - thanks for the memories all.
But , I disagree to the generalizing not many professionals coming along. I have seen many in both the hunter and jumper rings giving me confidence for the future. Yes I think they will have to work and work hard to even think of filling the boots of those preceding them, but that has been the true test for every aspect of life. There is no substitute for experience, can the younger generation stand the test of time effort one needs to attain their goals.
He will be missed.
[QUOTE=lauriep;7666526]
We are losing them, and when they/we are gone, then what? Not exactly a lot of horsemen coming along to replace the greats we are losing.[/QUOTE]
LOTS of riders…very few “horsemen”!!!
Rest in peace, Joey. You will be greatly missed.
What cross creeksh said. I see very little evidence of even an interest in the care of the horse and stable management. They only want to ride. And our system is set up so bass ackwards now that we don’t insist they learn it. There us no one teaching the grooms, so bad horse management gets perpetuated. Soon, the old classical methods will be gone, along with classical riding.
To say that Joey was one-of-a-kind is an understatement. He was a real character, and he had real character. RIP, Joey. 
I watched him for years at the bigger shows but where did he start? Did I see him in Maryland as a young man?
Joey Darby - an incredible horseman who left a great impression on this girl back in the 70s - I will never forget his advice or the cool outfits he broke out for the Blowing Rock Horse Show Party!
Joey was from Maryland, the youngest of about 10 children.
From VHJA News page:
The Loss of a Horseman - Joey Darby
Mr. Joey Darby of Southern Pines, NC passed away yesterday, July 14, 2014. Mr. Darby is being buried at Hilltop Cemetery at the Walthour-Moss Foundation in Southern Pines, NC and per his wishes there will not be a service held for him. Joey was a lifetime member of the Virginia Horse Shows Association and he was inducted into the VHSA Hall of Fame 2004.
Mr. Darby’s favorite Foundation is the Equestrian Aid Foundation. Donations can be made in his memory to the Equestrian Aid Foundation by doing one of these three options:
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Checks can be made to the Equestrian Aid Foundation, include a note In Memory of Joey Darby and mail to: Equestrian Aid Foundation, 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 10A-377, Wellington, Florida 33414 -
Visit their website: www.equestrianaidfoundation.org and click on donations. There is also a space to include who you would like the donation to be in memory of. -
Call the Equestrian Aid Foundation directly and speak with Janise Gray who is the Director of Grant Recipient Services. Her phone number is 908-803-1535
Mr. Darby has made arrangements to donate his artwork to the Foundation to be auctioned off to benefit the Foundation. Once the arrangements for the auction have been made the VHSA will post a link here on the VHSA website so that everyone will be aware of this and will have the opportunity to participate.
Joey was well loved and had many, many friends who will miss him very much. The VHSA would like to express our most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
https://www.facebook.com/HonoringJoeyDarby
Hope it’s okay to share…not sure who set the page up but it keeps popping up on my feed.
Rest peacefully Joey. It was great to know you. You will be missed.
This is very sad news. And I agree with Laurie. Rip Joe.
Very sad news indeed. Sincere condolences to all who loved Joey.
Am so sorry to hear of Joey Darby’s passing. As kids, we loved watching him in action at the major New York shows; the National Horse Show at the Garden, North Shore, Piping Rock, CW Post with the likes of Rodney Jenkins and many great stars of yesteryear. Thrilled at the beautiful old pics folks have posted from the 60s & 70s, brings back memories. Wish I’d known him better. Glad he remained true to his passion throughout his short life and was always his own person. Does anyone know where to find a good biography with his early beginnings and trainers? RIP Joey and God Bless!
I’ve known Joey for a life time and he was “ageless”, but nowhere have I seen his birth date or age. Anyone know??
[QUOTE=crosscreeksh;7727716]
I’ve known Joey for a life time and he was “ageless”, but nowhere have I seen his birth date or age. Anyone know??[/QUOTE]
He was 69.
[QUOTE=orangecrush;7727789]
He was 69.[/QUOTE]
MY jaw drops. I rode for him a couple times at his farm a couple years ago when surgery was interfering with his training. Would have guessed he was much closer to my age. My loss for not asking more questions. RIP.
[QUOTE=orangecrush;7727789]
He was 69.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the info. I would not have guessed that, but going back in time and doing the math…it is reasonable. He aged well. Nice guy.
