United States Eventing Association

In Memoriam: Trish Gilbert (1941-2024)

The USEA is saddened to share the news of the passing of USEA Hall of Fame member Trish Gilbert at the age of 83. Gilbert was one of the first women to break the barriers facing women competing in the sport of eventing. She had considerable success in the early years of eventing amongst non-military competitors. Gilbert held many titles throughout her years of involvement in the sport; team selector, young rider chairman, event director, licensed eventing official, and more.

"Mom was always there for us when we needed support, advice, and, of course, a good recipe," shared Gilbert's daughter Rumsey Keefe. "She was a 'doer' which we have all embraced and become ourselves.

"The eventing community was Mom’s second family. She enjoyed ensuring every horse and rider pair had a safe, educational experience while making sure it was a destination event with good food, fun, and camaraderie. She embodied the spirit of a team player and fostered the growth of developing riders to represent the USA. She truly enjoyed the travel that came with the job which gave her many friends and memories all across the country and internationally.

Mom will be greatly missed by her children, family, friends, and overall horse community."

Gilbert was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame in 2022 for her immense contributions to the sport. Fellow eventing legend and USEA Hall of Fame member, the late Jimmy Wofford, shared the following sentiment about Gilbert upon her induction:

“I don’t know of anyone who has dedicated their life to the improvement of eventing in the way that you have. I hope you know that your sport is a better place for your efforts. Congratulations again, and thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Gilbert's official obituary reads:

Patricia "Trish" D. Gilbert, age 83, of Churchville, Maryland, passed away on May 16, 2024. Born in Winchester, Virginia, Trish was the cherished daughter of the late David and Mary (Grandin) Donovan and the beloved wife of the late William Gilbert.

Trish's life was marked by her profound passion for the equine world. Licensed by both the USEA and the USEF, she was a distinguished course designer official and organizer. Trish was a fervent supporter of three-day eventing and began her journey with horses as part of the USPC. Her dedication and contributions to the equestrian community have left an indelible mark on many, most recently as the founding member of Fair Hill International, which has evolved into the Maryland 5 Star.

Trish is survived by her loving family: daughters Mary Elizabeth (Gregg) Looney, Rumsey Gilbert (Tim) Keefe, and Samantha Gilbert (Pete) Brennan; son Raymond Richard (Mary Pat) Guest; and stepson William Pepper (Alice) Gilbert. She is also survived by her brother David (Teresa) Donovan and sister Deirdre Donovan. Trish was a proud grandmother to Kelsea, Andrew, Ryan, Will, Colby, Henry, Connor, Peter, Liam, Sam, Carlin, and Peter; and step-grandmother to Chloe, Owen, and Amanda. Her legacy continues through her step-great-grandchildren Hunter, Tucker, Finnley, Sariah, John, Luke, and Annalise.

In addition to her husband and parents, Trish was preceded in death by her brother William Donovan, sisters Sheila Donovan and Mimi Donovan, and one grandchild.

Contributions may be made by check to Fair Hill International. 378 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, Maryland 21921, or online here.

The USEA extends our condolences to Gilbert's family and connections.