Nancy Nathanson, the longtime executive director of the International Friesian Horse Association and a trainer and breeder of Andalusians, passed away in California on Aug. 23. Nathanson—who also was active in various capacities on the United States Equestrian Federation’s Andalusian/Lusitano Committee, Friesian Committee, and Competition Secretaries Committee—received the USEF Pegasus Medal of Honor in 2012 for her outstanding service to horses and equestrian sport. She also was voted one of USEF’s top 10 competition secretaries in 2007 and 2008.

In addition to her work with IFSHA and the Andalusian breed, Nathanson was a highly respected multi-breed secretary; she served in that capacity at carriage driving, Paso Fino, Andalusian, and Friesian shows, including the IFSHA World and Grand National Horse Show.

Prior to her full-time involvement in the horse business, Nathanson was a successful long-term health care administrator. She credited Bruce Howard—her partner for two decades at The Park training facility—with introducing her to the Friesian and Andalusian breeds.

“For the last 14 years, Nancy Nathanson was the welcoming voice of IFSHA,” IFSHA President Sandy Jacob said. “Her face was instantly recognizable to those entering the IFSHA World and Grand National Show. Nancy always had a hug for everyone and was never too busy to stop and say hello. As the executive director of the International Friesian Show Horse Association, she was an avid proponent for the Friesian Horse and the show horse association.

“Nancy Nathanson had a long career in the horse industry with the Andalusian horses and her partner Bruce Howard,” Jacob continued. “She was a remarkable show secretary, and her knowledge of USEF was amazing. Nancy became the first executive director of IFSHA. She also continued her profession as a USEF horse show secretary. Many fledgling horse show associations took hold and grew with the help and guidance of this amazing woman. Her passion for the horses and showing was undeniable. In 2012, Nancy was awarded the USEF Pegasus Medal of Honor for her accomplishments in the horse industry.

“On Thursday, August 23, 2018, her long battle was over. We will all miss her greatly, but with the knowledge she passed on to us, we know we can continue to honor her by assisting those in the horse world with support and the camaraderie of the Friesian Show Horse World that Nancy was so proud of.

“The International Friesian Show Horse Association will honor this special woman by presenting the 2018 World and Grand National Horse Show in loving memory of Nancy Nathanson.”