United States Eventing Association

In Memoriam: Sylvia Coons Ochs (1941-2021)

The Red Hills Horse Trials family has lost one of its own – Sylvia Coons Ochs, one of the founders, passed away on March 11, 2021. In 1998 Sylvia Ochs with co-organizer Sallie Ausley along with three other original organizing committee members and hundreds of volunteers began the first Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Florida. The event succeeded to become a World Cup Qualifier and is now a CCI4*-S competition.

Sylvia was the ultimate horse person. Over the years, she served as Vice President, District Commissioner, and Regional Supervisor of the United States Pony Club. Her community spirit extended well beyond the horse world and impacted Tallahassee in countless ways.

She had many talents and amazing organizational skills along with grace and a magnetic personality. She spearheaded events and projects with an eye to every detail and was twice voted Volunteer of the Year! Sylvia was President of the Junior League of Tallahassee, worked with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, LeMoyne Art Foundation, the Tallahassee Symphony, and the Museum of History and Natural Sciences.

Sylvia died peacefully at the age of 79. She was born in Walton, New York, graduating with honors from New York University Belleview School of Nursing. She is survived by her children, Lisa Perry, Karla Newton, and Dr. George Ochs and seven beloved grandchildren.