Chet Thomas

July 20, 1942 — October 16, 2025

Chester “Chet” Bruce Thomas, a long-time, former member of our organization, died at home in his sleep on the morning of Thursday, October 16, 2025. He and his wife, Donna, were fixtures in the Madison area as they volunteered for many of the former Southwest Chapter events. At the Southwest chapter meetings, it almost became a game who could beat Chet to making the second on a motion. His sense of humor was lowkey, but infectious. Dr. Judy Batker, a founder of Country View Equine Clinic, said that nearly every time she saw Chet and asked how he was doing, he’d say, “Well, I hate to brag…” If you knew Chet, you knew he was not a braggart by ANY stretch. Member Erin Chelstrom wrote, “I have such good memories of him. He was always so kind to me.” Megan McIsaac agreed, saying he was “such a wonderful person.”

Chet was passionate about driving. Says eQuester Newsletter Editor, Caryn Vesperman, "Personally I will never forget sitting beside Chet as he drove his beloved mare, Trina. Then he generously turned over the reins to me. It was challenging—Chet made it look so easy! Trina was so responsive, well-trained and happy in her work. It was fun, and I think if I ever get to the point where I can’t ride astride, I would enjoy driving—except for what looks like a very complicated procedure to hook everything up correctly! What we can remember from Chet is how to be someone who helps and teaches others and to enjoy our horses and take pride in our accomplishments with our partners."

Chet was born in Oakland CA on July 20, 1942, a fourth generation native Californian. Chet served in the Peace Corps in Turkey from 1965-67, earned a degree in Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis in 1972, then practiced small animal medicine in the San Francisco Bay Area until 1977. He then returned to UC Davis for a Masters of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, followed by a PhD. From 1983-2010, Chet was a veterinary epidemiologist in the Pathobiological Sciences department of the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Chet is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna; his son Ross (Sarah); his grandchildren Kolby, McKade, Calton, Catherine (Nick), and Veronica; nieces Marci (Dave) Gomez and Jennifer Moore; nephew Mark Guyer; and brother-in-law Jack Moore.

Marie Caldwell sums up what lot of us are thinking in a few simple words: “He will be missed.” Our hearts go out to his wife of 54 years, Donna, his children, grandchildren, extended family and his many friends who, as Marie said, will miss him.

The family requests no flowers. Gifts in Chet’s memory may be made to the Chester Thomas Food Animal Veterinary Medical Scholars Program Fund at the UW-Madison Foundation, the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo WI, or Agrace Hospice Care.

Trenna Atkins (4/30/48 - 12/20/21)

TAtkins

Source: USDF

It is with great sadness that USDF announces the passing of Trenna Atkins. Trenna passed away peacefully the night of December 20, with care for her four-legged family members already arranged.

Trenna has been heavily involved in our sport for many years, serving as a USEF 'S' and 3* Para Equestrian Judge, not mention her many roles within the USDF's committees and the USDF L Education Program. Trenna began her service within USDF by serving on the Competition Management Committee from 1987-1993, the Competitors Council in 1994, and currently sits on the Judges Committee, which she has served on since 1997, and serves as vice chair of the L Program Committee.

Trenna's contributions to these committees, USDF, and the sport are just a few of the reasons she was recognized as the 2012 USDF Volunteer of the Year at the annual convention in New Orleans. Specifically, her contributions to the L Program, as a faculty and committee member, are still felt today with the many presentations she had a hand in developing, and the countless hours she spent reviewing educational materials for the program and revising the program materials through the years.

USDF L Program Committee Co-Chair Lois Yukins added, “Trenna has been a tireless contributor to the L Education Program, especially with the biomechanics portion, as well as extremely instrumental in converting our presentations to the 21st century technology. She worked very hard on finding videos we could use in our sessions to help our participants understand what we are looking for in our judging. I couldn't have had a better vice chair to work with over the years. We will miss her both professionally and personally.”

USDF extends its sincerest condolences to Trenna's family and friends in this difficult time. Trenna's legacy will continue to live on through her contributions to USDF and its programs, as well as her influence and impact on the sport overall.

kevinnelson

Dr. Kevin Nelson, DVM (1957 - 2021)

Source: Tribute Archive

Born in Kenosha on August 14, 1957, he was the son of the late C. Richard “Dick” and June (Glacken) Nelson. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated in local schools. He graduated from UW Parkside and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

On August 4, 2020, he married Deanna Hertrich.

Kevin dedicated his life's work to the care and welfare of all creatures great and small. He partnered with Bristol Veterinary Service in 1985; mainly focusing on large animals, performance horses, pleasure horses, food animals, 4H projects and any barnyard friend that needed assistance. However, his passion was for exotic animals and he served the Racine Zoo as veterinarian for over 30 years, treating everything from the largest cats to the tiniest of reptiles. He served as veterinarian for the Wisconsin State Fair, Racine County Fair, and assisted at Kenosha County Fair. In 2007, he was awarded the WVMA Veterinarian of The Year. Kevin cared for every patient and client with utmost compassion, dignity, and respect.

Anne Ramsay (1925 - 2021)

Source: USDF

t is with a heavy heart that USDF announces the passing of Anne Barlow Ramsay. As a longtime USDF member, Anne has served in many capacities within the organization including her time on the USDF Historical Committee, serving as a delegate to the Board of Governors, and of course, the success of her horses in the sport. Over the years, Anne's horses have earned 20 USDF Year-End Awards across almost every level, as well as multiple USDF All-Breeds Awards from the International Sport Horse Registry, KWPN of North America, and Oldenburg Registry of North America.

Amanda Johnson

American Dressage Grand Prix rider and trainer Amanda Johnson lost her battle with triple negative breast cancer, on December 2, 2018. Mandy was 37 years old.

Amanda was born in Iowa, was a member of the Region 4 1999 NAYRC team, with her gelding Glissade (Guarantor - Puritano), the first of many horses Mandy trained to Grand Prix. Amanda became a working student for Temple Farms in Wadsworth IL, training under George Williams. She continued to work with Williams after his move to Gypsy Woods Farm. Amanda established her own dressage training business in Region 2, in 2002. Amanda was a well known and well-loved trainer in the Chicago area.