Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at the GMHA Festival of Eventing. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.
We continue to grieve the loss — and celebrate the life — of Jeffie Chapin, who suffered a fatal accident on Sunday at the Green Mountain Horse Association Festival of Eventing in South Woodstock, Vermont.
Jeffie’s passion and spirit are beautifully articulated in her obituary:
“What is most important to understand is that Jeffie lived her dream, a dream she had from her earliest days, to be surrounded by horses. She had her own horses, she lived on a beautiful horse farm in Wenham, MA, she worked hard every day for her horses, donkey, dogs, and cats, and she found a husband in Deacon who shared these loves with her. Few of us actually know our life dream. From her earliest days as a child, she actually knew precisely what her dream was, and she achieved it. On her last day, Jeffie was doing exactly what her life dream had in store: she was in an equestrian competition with her horses alongside of her husband and her dogs. Jeffie’s dream has now become eternal.
“Jeffie was a teacher. She possessed deep insights into her students in the classroom and in the riding ring. Her humility, kindness, tenacity, honesty, love, and intelligence caused her to be remarkably successful helping children. She taught at the Carroll School in Lincoln, MA, Brookwood School in Manchester, MA, and Bentley Academy Charter School in Salem, MA. Additionally, she helped hundreds of young children acquire a love of horses and all the work and satisfaction that derives from helping animals.”
You can read the full obituary, as well as send flowers, sign her memory book and view memorial arrangements, here. Services will be held on Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. at The Myopia Hunt Club at 435 Bay Road in South Hamilton, MA.
Jeffie’s family and close connections have responded to the tragedy of her passing with an enormous grace that is befitting of the Jeffie’s own nature. In a touching effort to continue Jeffie’s legacy, the Chapin and Wilkins families have established the Jennifer Wilkins Chapin Foundation, which will award grants and stipends in support of deserving young riders in the Northeastern U.S. Tax-deductible charitable contributions in memory of Jeffie can be made by check and mailed to: Jennifer Wilkins Chapin Foundation / 110 Larch Row / Wenham, MA 01984.
On behalf of the eventing community, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeffie’s friends and family. And a thank-you to Jeffie for exemplifying what is special about our sport and our community — the expression on her face while tackling these jumps at GMHA says it all.
Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at the GMHA Festival of Eventing. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.
Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in 2018. Photo by Morgan Mindrebo / Flatlandsfoto.
Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in 2018. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.
Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in June 2019. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.
Go Jeffie. Go Eventing.
