Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian (USEF) grieves the loss of one of equestrian sports’ leading figures, Keith Bartz (Naples, Fla.), who passed away on Saturday, January 27, at the age of 84. Bartz’s impact spanned equestrian sport, as he was a competitor, trainer, governance leader, and champion for the American Saddlebred.

“Keith Bartz gave [back] to the horse-showing industry in so many ways. He had a strong moral compass, and that guided his decisions,” said Judy Werner, chair of the USEF American Saddlebred Committee and past president of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA). “David O’Connor said it so well: ‘He was the rock we all stood on.’ Keith never compromised when it came to saying or doing the right thing; he was a man of his word and had a terrific sense of humor! All of us who were his friends are better off for that honor.”

For 27 years, Bartz and his wife Carol owned and operated Hollow Haven Farm in Chanhassen, Minn., where they were instrumental in helping numerous amateur and young riders reach their potential in the show ring. He served as an ASHA judge for 11 divisions up until his retirement in 1998. In addition, he was the Executive Director of the American Saddlebred Museum for over 10 years and was on the Board of Trustees. 

Bartz used his industry experience to guide him on the USEF Board of Directors, USEF Budget and Finance Committee, and USEF Admin & Finance Working Group. He was also chair of the USEF Licensed Officials Committee, past President of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association, and a member of the USEF American Saddlebred, Ethics, Compensation and Human Resources, and Nominating Committees.

In recognition of his impact and commitment to equestrian sport, Bartz received the 2003 USEF Walter B. Devereux Sportsmanship Award, the 2005 Sallie Busch Wheeler Award and the 2013 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award.