Joan Throgmorton, dedicated trailblazer & trail advocate, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2023 at the age of 88. Joan was born in Portland, Oregon on July 17, 1934. From the time she was a small girl, she loved all animals, but was especially fond of horses. Horses became her lifelong passion, which she shared with so many loved ones & friends.

In 1953, Joan married Bill Throgmorton & they began their life together. They lived in various places east to west and north to Alaska, before settling down with their children in Gilroy.

Joan competed in trail rides all over the United States. She was happiest when she was on a horse and wanted to share this joy with others. Joan was instrumental in promoting the North American Trail Riding Conference (NATRC) starting in the 1960s until her passing. She inhabited many roles over the years: secretary, newsletter editor, judge, trail ride manager, and participant.  In 1968, she helped found the San Martin Horseman's Association (SMHA), which continues to this day. Through these clubs, Joan was known far & wide as an expert horsewoman & advocate for horses & trails. When she wasn't riding competitively, she was judging competitions or working as support staff for rides by marking routes, fundraising, and following the riders on her trusty steed in case anyone needed help. If anyone was lost, they'd send Joan because she knew the trails like the back of her hand.

Joan knew the trails so well because she helped to create so many—she had a special gift for picking trails out of the wilderness, as she did with Cattle Duster, Coit Springs, and Domino Pond trails in Henry Coe State Park. But she didn't simply blaze trails, she also dedicated herself to maintaining them. She would jokingly boast that any trail she rode on wouldn't have a stray rock, twig, or leaf on it by the time she was done. Her tireless dedication to trail riding helped to establish so much park infrastructure that people & horses enjoy to this day.

She is survived by her brother, Charles; her children, Linda & Denise; her grandchildren, Keri, Tyler, Danielle, & Dana; and extended family.

Per her wishes, there are no formal services, instead we encourage you to enjoy the great outdoors & think of Joan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SMHA , P.O. Box 275, San Martin, CA 95046; NATRC Region 1 , ℅ Linda Thomason, 5033 Southside Ranch Road, Rocklin, CA 95677; or to the California State Parks Association in her memory.