Noted horse show manager, judge, breeder and trainer Gary Baker passed away at his home in Middleburg, Va., on the morning of Jan. 27. He was 72.

Baker was an integral part of the horse show and racing world in Virginia and Maryland. You can read a Chronicle profile of him here. 

In 2007, Baker was awarded the U.S. Equestrian Federation Pegasus Medal of Honor for his contributions to the show world. He’s also a member of both the Virginia Horse Shows Association and National Show Hunter Halls of Fame.

Baker’s interests went beyond managing horse shows and judging. He was a breeder and trainer of steeplechase horses and also bred ponies. He worked on numerous USEF and U.S. Hunter Jumper Association committees and always had an interest in improving the sport.

An occasional contributor to the Chronicle, Baker was not afraid to voice an opinion and was passionate about his beliefs. You can read his “Money Is More Expensive Than Ever” column here.