Don Stewart, the former top hunter rider known for his namesake stables and sales barn, spent decades as an accomplished equestrian with a long list of distinguished honors. He scored multiple championship wins as a rider and a coach at all the major horse shows including the Washington International, Devon, the Pennsylvania National and the National Horse Show.
Don served as chairman of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Junior Hunter Task Force, and was behind many rule changes like introducing a mandatory handy hunter class.
His wins include the 1969 Virginia Hunter-Seat Equitation Championship, American Horse Shows Association Horse of the Year titles in the 1980s and 1990s. The 1989 Grand Champion Green Hunter Title at Harrisburg riding Meant To Be, 1989 World Cup Working-Hunter Classic riding Moment to Moment, 1992 Leading Hunter Rider at the Devon Horse Show, 1993 and 1995 Leading Hunter Rider at the National Horse Show.
Don sold his business, Don Stewart Stables, in Ocala, Florida, a few years ago. He's still based in Ocala, FL with his wife, Nancy, where they rent a farm. They have three children. Don III, Whitney, and their daughter Erin who is a professional equestrian. She grew up riding and won at top shows around the country as she advanced from Ponies to Juniors. In 2009, Erin was Grand Champion and Leading Rider at Capital Challenge and at the Washington International Horse Show in the Amateur Hunters before going professional. She also won the coveted ASPCA Maclay in 2002 and was coached by her dad.
