Deborah Reich

Deborah Reich

SHEFFIELD Deborah Reich, of Sheffield, and Croton-On-Hudson, N.Y., died at her home in New York on Feb. 28, 2013.A champion of animals and nature, Deborah served the Sheffield community for many years as the president of the Sheffield Land Trust, and was also active with Blue Rider Stables in Egremont. A lifelong horseback rider, she discovered competitive trail and endurance riding in 2005. Thanks to her grit and horse sense, she excelled at that sport, earning a spot on the United States Equestrian team in 2010, at the age of 50, and again the following year. She was the only US rider to complete the 2010 Kentucky World Endurance Games 160km endurance ride, and her time still stands as the fourth fastest time of any American rider in any world championship to date. She helped the US team to a Silver medal finish at the Pan American Endurance Championship in Chile in 2011. Also in 2011, on her beloved mare Juniper, Deborah competed in the President's Cup Invitational in Abu Dhabi. Emmett Ross, Chef D'Equipe of the United States Equestrian Team, says, "Deborah was a terrific role model for other riders because of her commitment to racing as part of a team rather than simply riding for personal success." In July, the US team of young riders rode in memory of Deborah at the 2013 Junior/Young Rider World Endurance Championship in Tarbes, France. Deborah began her studies of the world of gardening and plants at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as a very young girl, and never strayed far from it. She ran a successful garden design and topiary business for many years, and was the co-author of The Complete Book Of Topiary (Workman Publishing, 1988). Her homes in the Berkshires and New York are testaments to her love of horticulture and sustainable agriculture and her devotion to organic gardening. Deborah is survived by her son, Amos Gordon Reich Cader; her parents, Joseph and Carol Reich; her sisters, Janet Elsbach and Marcia Walsh and their families; Amos' father, Andrew Cader, and a network of devoted family and friends. MEMORIAL NOTICE: A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. in the field at the intersection of Boardman Street and Kellogg Road in Sheffield. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the land conservation or animal welfare organization of your choosing.