United States Eventing Association

The USEA is saddened to learn of the passing of Marvin William Savage on April 21. He was 91.

Born on July 8, 1934 on farm in Brock, Texas, Savage grew up in a family that lived off the land and ate what they raised. During World War II, he took over responsibilities on the farm while his brother was away serving in the military.

Inspired to serve his country, Savage joined the Army and later used his VA education benefits to complete pilot training. Flying became one of his lifelong passions. He eventually purchased his own airplane and often flew family, friends, and even a promising young rodeo star to events across the PBR Circuit.

Savage was the parts manager for 30 years for David McDavid’s dealerships in Texas. He was deeply involved in charitable work throughout his life and enjoyed theater, music, and auto racing. Boat racing was another lifelong passion, and he was known for his remarkable talent during the 1970s, where his carefully designed race boat hulls and record-setting motors made him nearly unbeatable on the water for years. Always encouraging others, Savage inspired a new generation of boat racers.

He was a legendary blown alcohol flatbottom drag boat driver who won the NDBA National High Points Championship in 1978 and dominated with his “Wild Child” boat in the 1970s and 80s. He retired from active competition after the 1983 season and was inducted into the drag boat Hall of Fame in 2021.

Savage’s work extended beyond racing into business and community development. He helped form Greenwood Farms and Marvin Savage Farms by joining neighboring farms together in 1994. While Savage only knew plow horses and cowponies firsthand, he was excited to host eventing competitions on his property.

Under the guidance and encouragement of course designers David O’Connor and John Williams, he added course building expertise to his farming repertoire. The event grew from 50 entries at its onset to an FEI event and horse trials with close to 300. He opened his farm to clinics and schooling as well. The Weatherford and Greenwood Farm Horse Trials lasted nearly two decades, ending in 2016.

Savage was passionate about safety and served on the USEA Safety Committee. He was awarded the USEA Governor’s Cup in 2013 and was recognized by Area V, earning the Dr. Glynis Roth Memorial Award, which is given to the person who embodies the traits of enthusiasm, dedication, and overall sportsmanship.

He was also a supporter of the North Texas Eventing Association (NTEA), and earned their Al Amith Award in 2025, which recognizes a member who demonstrates outstanding enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and dedicated service to the sport of eventing.

Eventer Donna Alley had a small barn on Savage’s property for years and hosted clinics with trainers like Mary D’Arcy. She also served as the Weatherford and Greenwood Farm Horse Trials assistant show secretary.

Alley said Savage was always happiest on a tractor. “There weren't too many riders, other than newer ones in Area V, that didn't know Marvin,” she said. “He always did everything that he could to help a rider. He was so big on safety. He would aerate grounds until midnight with the lights on his tractor to make sure that the riders and horses were safe on the grounds, and everyone would compliment how great the grounds were. Every time they came for clinics or events he just was so safety conscious and would go around and make sure all of the jumps were secured properly, and he just knew how everything was supposed to be, and he took care of it that way. He just contributed as much as he could to helping people when they were there for the events, and they all knew that and appreciated what he did for them and. During the rainy season, he towed many trailers out of the mud.”

Alley said Savage will be remembered as a generous landowner, who, while not a horseman, contributed greatly to the sport of eventing in Area V.

“That's pretty amazing to have a person who wasn't interested in horses at all just offer up his property to run an event. I feel like that's almost unheard of these days,” she said.

Savage is survived by Melinde Manire, Angela Stanley, Ken Slade, Don Slade, Hershall Slade, Cherie Wilkerson, and Donna Lothridge.