This past Sunday, we lost a dear member of the Iron Spring Farm family, long-time employee Audrey Skelton (September 21, 1954 – June 9, 2024). Audrey began working for ISF in June 2009 and brought a wealth of experience with her. She was an avid animal lover and a top-notch horseperson who helped support the ISF culture of safety and horse-first management. She had a great eye for what needed to be done to make sure the horses (and cats, dogs, and people) of ISF were thriving. Audrey cared deeply for the animals and people around her.
Whenever a new hire joined the team, Audrey could be counted on to get them up to speed with a welcoming and warm approach. An excellent lab technician, she had a crucial role in the preparation and organization of semen from the breeding shed. She worked hard every day to support the multiple barns of horses on the farm. Giving memorable and informative farm tours to members of the public was Audrey’s specialty and many people over the years enjoyed her funny and knowledgeable stories. If any cats needed a helping hand, she was the woman for the job as the resident ‘cat whisper’. Year after year, she helped our team and horses succeed at Dressage at Devon. She was the regular announcer at the farm’s yearly hosted KWPN-NA and FHANA keurings and worked countless hours preparing with the farm for those events.
A lifelong horsewoman who spent her childhood riding ponies on the islands of the Bahamas, Audrey owned a successful boarding and instruction business in the Sarasota area. A District Commissioner for many years with the United States Pony Club, she helped countless children and families learn about, care for, train, and enjoy their horses. She owned and competed her own eventing and dressage horses. Audrey championed kind, empathetic interactions with animals from a deep and thoughtful knowledge base.
Audrey was an invaluable member of our team and will be deeply missed.
