United States Eventing Association

In Memoriam: Richard "Dick" (1932-2025) and Susan Farmer (1935 -2025)

The USEA is saddened to share the recent passing of both Richard and Susan Farmer.

Richard "Dick" A. Farmer was born on January 8, 1932 in Carthage, Missouri, and passed away on February 18, 2025. He graduated valedictorian of Pueblo High School and later graduated from West Point in 1954. He earned two Masters degrees and his Doctorate degree from MIT, as well as taught there, before becoming an aerospace engineer for what is now Lockheed Martin.

He, with his wife, Susan Robinson Farmer, owned and operated Abbe Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. Abbe Ranch would become one of the preeminent eventing facilities in the country, offering over 40 years of clinics, dressage shows, pair paces, pony club rallies, and the lauded Abbe Ranch Horse Trials. Abbe Ranch also hosted the first long-format and Area Championships in Area IX.

Dick served as the Area Chair for several years and received many awards for his service to the sport of eventing locally as well as nationally. He was always the silent strength behind Area IX eventing, forever humble and gracious. His character of high morals and ethics with a dash of charm was evident from the moment you first met him. With Dick's passing it is an end of an era for eventing in the United States which the likes of which are likely not to be seen again.

Shortly after Dick's passing, Susan passed away quietly on the morning of February 27, 2025. In so doing, she left a legacy of educating many riders in horsemanship and high standards. Alongside her husband, she developed Abbe Ranch into a mecca of eventing in Area IX and beyond.

Susan was born on September 1, 1935, in Vermont, but moved to Colorado upon marrying Dick. She got right to work organizing pony club rallies, horse trials, clinics, pair paces, dressage shows, and long-format events. Many of Area IX's upper-level riders credit Abbe Ranch with their early education enabling them to progress and reach their personal goals and beyond!

Susan had very high standards and expected everyone to follow suit. If you were able to get past that, you would've seen a very caring and passionate person, whose love for horses was only surpassed by her love for Dick. She was an amazingly energetic and positive person who had a great sense of humor and a quick smile behind the scenes. She is sorely missed.

There will be a memorial for both Dick and Susan in the spring.

The USEA shares our deepest condolences with all of Dick and Susan's family, friends, and all of those in Area IX who are impacted by their passing.