Marjorie Vliet

August 27, 1923–December 13, 2020

"Marjorie Vliet was the first president of this club and the owner of Deer Haven Ranch. Among the many champions she bred, the best known was Deer Haven Dazzler, a stallion that was twice National Grand Champion. I had the honor of showing him to both awards.

"Marge had bred horses and ponies since the 1930's. She was also a breeder of champion Arabian horses as well as dogs and cats. Marge was truly a wonderful lady and she will be missed."—Jim Curry

"She was a great lady! Pat and I learned so much from Marjorie, and so enjoyed being around her. She was a beautiful lady."—Linda Anastasio

Pat Michielssen

May 26, 1929–November 17, 2017

Pat Michielssen passed away at home on November 17. She was 88. Pat was a staunch supporter of the American Shetland, and of our club, for many years.

"She was much more than a client, a truly good friend and a kind, generous person as I am sure John Killacky would also state. I know of at least one instance when she gave a pony to a young girl so she could compete with her friends. A lady of many talents who loved her ponies."—Jim Curry

"Pat was a great lady and I treasure the time we spent together. I learned so much from her. Rest in Peace Pat, and may your trails be happy ones."—Arlene Niegel

Debbie Andrews Marshall and Linda Andrews Gray, sisters who grew up next door to Pat and spent a lot of time at the ranch, sent us a generous donation in Pat's memory. Part of this donation was used to fund the first "High Point Pony" perpetual award in Pat's honor at the California Classic.

Barbara J. Naviaux

July 13, 1935–October 23, 2017

The miniature horse world lost one of the icons of the breed. Barbara Naviaux died on October 23. Her son Dave said there would be a memorial service in Placerville, CA, but that would not take place for about a month from now.

Barb was a great friend, an author of many articles on equine genetics and a book on miniatures, chairperson of the AMHA committee that wrote the original Standard of Perfection, a miniature breeder, a member of both AMHA and AMHR, and for many years an active member of Area Vll, Valley Sierra Miniature Horse Club, and also Norcal MHC. At various times she was the newsletter editor for all three organizations. She is a great loss to the miniature world and to her many friends. —Jim Curry