Tragically, Cheree Kirkbride of Ocala, Florida passed away early on Saturday, May 30th.
Jeff Kirkbride Photography is owned by Jeff and Cheree and located in the heart of horse country in Ocala, Florida.
Among their premiere events are the Pinto Horse Association of America World Championship Horse Show, the Arizona Sun Circuit, National Western Stock Show, the Palomino Horse Breeders of America World Championship Horse Show and the Color Breed Congress.
In 2014, Jeff Kirkbride Photography decided to step away from their position as Official Photographer of the All American Quarter Horse Congress, which they held for 14 years.
Cheree was successful in many disciplines of showing horses, including hunter/jumpers and reining.
Cheree was also a successful breeder, owner and handler of Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Collies.
There will be a Celebration of Life on July 1, 2015 at 5:30 pm at the Kirkbride home located at 5700 N W 90th Ave, Ocala FL 34482.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pinto Heritage Foundation, 7330 N W 23rd St, Bethany OK 73008, (405) 491-0111 extension 225. The family would like to establish a scholarship in Cheree Kirkbride’s name.
Sunday, May 31
GoHorseShow is sad to report the passing of Cheree Kirkbride, a longtime horse and dog show competitor. Cheree became familiar to many while working along side her husband Jeff Kirkbride, one of the top show photographers in the horse industry. Since her passing, there has been an overwhelming outpour of condolences from friends and family on Jeff and Cheree’s Facebook pages.
According to longtime friend and NRHA competitor, Jessicah Keller, Cheree suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and had an attack and unfortunately could not recover.
Keller told us that Cheree was one of the first people she met when she started showing at NRHA events. “Cheree was a great person and she was always friendly to everyone,” Keller told us. “We showed together a lot, but in the past few years, her dogs became her passion. She raised great horses and great dogs. Cheree was a promoter of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed and she loved to teach people about them. She was very talented with editing and producing Jeff’s photos as well. It was fun to have a beer with her and talk about anything. I will really miss her. It came as a huge shock to me when she passed.”
We will update her funeral arrangements when we receive more information.
Condolences go out to all of her family and friends.
