My condolences to Peggy's family. I first met Peggy when I signed up for lessons at the SYVTRP in 2007. She was Program Director at the time. I was so fortunate to have her as an Instructor from time to time & remember the valuable things to do while riding a horse. I am still a student today and will be here as long as I can. The 2022 Rider’s Roundup was dedicated to Peggy.
Peggy’s beautiful spirit will be felt always & live on at this amazing Program.
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I was lucky to come into Peggy's orbit when I first volunteered and then became a Barn Assistant at SYVTRP a few years ago. Peggy was my supervisor, and I'll always especially cherish the extra-quiet and peaceful Sunday mornings we shared there. I'd often find Peggy already there - planting something, or fixing something - when I pulled in to do my shift throwing hay and mucking pens. We'd talk sometimes, (and she was a great listener), other times we'd just share that special space in silence, with just the sound of the horses munching hay, and the sweet company of Tom and Jerry roaming around nearby. We shared some important personal stuff. I'll never forget her. Thanks, Fowler family, for yesterday's beautiful celebration of Peggy. Much love to you at this sad time.
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We are so blessed to have known Peggy. At A & A Equestrian, she was our biggest, most loyal supporter and incredibly generous with her time and energy. She brought a kindness and love into our lives that I didn’t know existed within a friendship.
She was ingenious creating solutions at the therapeutic riding program and we were lucky enough to benefit from that ingenuity. She was always concocting delicious, healthy snacks to keep us hydrated and fed. She was up early and volunteered for the early lessons whenever possible. She connected us with so many wonderful people…
Peggy was such a incredible woman. Quick to laugh, quick to love, and in endless wonder of what could be accomplished with a horse. She was one of my favorite students to teach, and yet… I hope she knows how much she taught me. I’m in endless gratitude for the time she was in our lives.
To the Fowler family… I hope you feel the tremendous amount of love we all had for Peggy and that it comforts you in this difficult time.
All our love,
Adrianna, Matias, and Noemi ❤️
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Always with a smile is how we will remember Peggy, loving the horses, cats and people who count themselves so lucky to have had her in our lives.
We are especially indebted to Peggy and the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program for creating Patriot Riders for veterans and allowing me to return to my first love—riding horses—in a safe and supportive environment. We will never forget Peggy’s patience and generosity. It seemed like such a little thing, but that’s what Peggy did best….those little things that made you feel special just when you needed it.
Our deepest condolences to Peggy’s family and her family at Therapeutic Riding. We know she is smiling at all of us that will gather together in her honor. Take comfort in the many wonderful memories and in a life well-lived.
With Love – David and Kathy Rosenthal
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cheryl smith
Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA, USA
When I first started feeding and mucking at the program, I accidentally left the water on overnight creating a small flood in some pens.
Peggy was the one who comforted me by smiling and saying, "It's okay kid, we've all done it... once."
She knew I was embarrassed and disappointed but she also knew it couldn't happen again. Her reaction is the grace she walked everyday.
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Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA, USA
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Vicki Wedmore
2021, Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA, USA
I brought my nephew and his family to the Therapeutic Riding program to show him what we do with children with cerebral palsy. His son, Deegan, was diagnosed as an infant and moves around by army crawling, so we were delighted when Peggy offered to saddle up Baard for an impromptu lesson. After signing the release forms, Deegan was lifted on Baard's back. Not knowing how Deegan would react (having no experience around horses at all) we were all in tears of joy when he started to laugh out loud once Baard started to walk. It was truly a magical moment for his family to see him, all thanks to Peggy's kindness and compassion that day. Deegan's little brother, Reed, got a ride, too, and was not happy when it was time to get dismount - LOL! In reading comments and stories about this loveliest of women, I know she recreated these magical moments countless times over for the children and adults fortunate enough to share time with her.
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I am so broken hearted to learn of Peggy's passing. I volunteer at Therapeutic Riding, and loved when I got to work beside Peggy. She was a wonderful human and horsewoman. I always learned something from her, and she was a patient and passionate teacher. I will always hold her in my heart, and think of her whenever I am at the Program, but especially when helping to care for her beloved horses Logan and Freya.
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Peggy had the biggest and most genuine heart and will be missed beyond measure 💘
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