The Arabian Horse world has lost a cherished member of the community. Bobbi Patscheider passed away on May 15, 2014, with her husband, Don, and two of her children at her side.
Bobbi spent a lifetime loving Arabian horses. Her contribution as publisher of the US Arabian Finish Line provided a huge support and resource for the Arabian race horse community.
Kathy Smoke, Chair of the US Arabian Jockey Club remembers her friend:
“23 years ago I sent an Arabian mare to Florida to be bred. Jean Streeter, the editor and publisher of the Arabian Finish Line, at that time, arranged for me to board my horse at her friend Bobbi Patscheiders’ Farm, Patlan Arabians of Williston, Florida. That was the genesis of an enduring friendship with a dedicated horsewoman who had a burning passion for all things related to the Arabian horse.
We came together at a time when she was moving out of the show world and into the race world of Arabians. The Ocala Arabian Breeders Society, of which Bobbi was Treasurer for umpteen years, played an integral part in the beginnings of Arabian racing. Upon the passing of her friend Jean Streeter in 1996, Bobbi took over the reins of the Arabian Finish Line magazine and kept it going for the sake of the industry.
From a fortuitous decision of boarding a horse, a friendship developed that became more of an older sister and mentor relationship. The years of traveling together with our husbands to race tracks around the USA to watch our horses run, traveling across France to look at and learn about the French-bred Arabian, Christmas Holidays, seeing in the New Year together, celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary, moved so quickly I didn’t have time to contemplate the memories we were making.
It was wonderment to people that Bobbi and I, both being Leo’s in the zodiac sign, became so close. Strong horse women, willing to fight for our convictions, we just seemed to understand each other.
Her passion for the breed and her desire to give back to the industry in so many ways throughout the years, her loyalty to her friends, her compassion for those who needed a friend, her love and devotion to her family – this was the essence of a truly remarkable woman.
On the morning of May 15 my dearest friend left this earth. However, I am blessed. Bobbi left me 23 years of memories that I can hold in my heart where a huge hole was created by her passing. All of us who were fortunate enough to know Bobbi have lost a kindred spirit but were left with the gift of having had her in our lives. Gone but never forgotten.”
Kathy Smoke
May 18, 2014