GoHorseShow is sad to report the passing of trainer Rick Skelly from Wisconsin. Skelly had trained several AQHA World and Congress Champions over the years including AQHA Superhorse winners, Acadamosby Award and Time To Cash In. We posted a few messages below from his friends.
“Yesterday, my family lost a dear friend, mentor, and comrade. The horse world lost a legend. Rick Skelly was one of the greatest horsemen I have ever known. He could recognize greatness in both horses and people. He was relentless until they achieved it,” Katy Jo Zuidema stated on her Facebook page. “To the very end, he did it his way, the quintessential cowboy way. I will always 
remember my Uncle Rick as the ruff and gruff guy who had a soft spot for me and mine, an amazing sense of humor, and a great hunt seater “hidden out back.” Right now, I bet he’s sitting on Natural Iron with a cigarette in his mouth and a Crown Royal in his hand cracking some joke. The thought makes me smile.”
“I cannot think of anyone who had more great hunter under saddle horses and all of my favorites,” says Jody Quiram, who owns and helps run the Gordyville shows with her sisters. “Our staff loved him, and he always made me grin when he showed up. He always had our back.”
“Last night I lost a very dear friend,” Sandra Vaughn stated (pictured right with Rick). “The horse world lost a true horseman. Under that rough exterior was a man with a heart of gold. I will miss you.”
GoHorseShow will update everyone when we have more information about his funeral arrangements.
Click here to donate to a GoFundMe account to help with his funeral expenses
