Deaths on March 6

Sheila Varian, American horse trainer and breeder (b. 1937)

Sheila Varian: A Legacy Forged in Horsepower and Conservation

Sheila Varian, born on August 8, 1937, and passing on March 6, 2016, was much more than just a horse breeder; she was a visionary who profoundly influenced the world of Arabian horses from her beloved Varian Arabians Ranch near Arroyo Grande, California. Her life's work was a testament to dedication, a deep understanding of equine behavior, and an unwavering commitment to both the animals she adored and the land they roamed.

Early Life and the Vaquero Path

From a young age, Sheila harbored an innate passion for horses. Growing up amidst California's ranching culture, her interest wasn't merely a pastime but a defining aspect of her early life. She was fortunate to find a profound mentor in Mary "Sid" Spencer, a local rancher renowned for her Morgan horse breeding expertise. Spencer didn't just teach Sheila about horsemanship; she introduced her to the rich and storied vaquero, or "Californio," tradition of western riding. This ancient style, emphasizing a soft hand, precise communication, and a deep partnership between horse and rider, would become the cornerstone of Varian's unique approach to training.

The Birth of Varian Arabians: A Dream Takes Rein

In 1954, with invaluable support from her parents, Sheila officially established Varian Arabians. While initially a burgeoning venture, by 1963, raising and training horses became her sole, full-time occupation. Her training philosophy was deeply rooted in the vaquero methods passed down by Sid Spencer. However, Sheila was also a perceptive innovator. She meticulously adapted her techniques over the years to perfectly suit the distinct character of the Arabian horse, a breed she viewed as intelligent, sensitive, and requiring a smart, yet profoundly gentle touch. This nuanced approach allowed her to connect with these magnificent animals on a truly exceptional level.

Forging Bloodlines: A Breeding Program of Distinction

Sheila Varian's breeding program at Varian Arabians became legendary, producing a lineage of highly influential Arabian horses whose bloodlines are now woven into the fabric of countless winning Arabian show horses across the United States. She meticulously laid the foundation for her program with a select group of mares, which she bred to her celebrated national champion stallion, Bay Abi. Demonstrating incredible foresight and determination, Sheila then embarked on a challenging endeavor, acquiring three additional mares from esteemed Arabian farms in Poland. This was a particularly remarkable feat, considering Poland was still behind the Iron Curtain at the time, making the importation of horses to the United States exceptionally difficult. These Polish mares, alongside Bay Abi, became the foundational pillars of her illustrious bloodstock. By 2016, the year of her passing, the Varian horses at stud represented the sixth generation descended from her original stallion line, while her foundation mare lines had produced an astonishing nine generations of offspring, a testament to her enduring vision and genetic mastery.

A Legacy Beyond the Arena: Awards, Recognition, and Conservation

For her extraordinary accomplishments, Sheila Varian garnered widespread recognition. The United States Equestrian Federation honored her contributions, and she received numerous prestigious awards from various organizations within the Arabian horse industry. Her profound impact as both a breeder and a horse trainer in the revered vaquero tradition culminated in her induction into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in 2003, a fitting tribute to a woman who embodied the spirit of the American West.

Sheila's foresight extended beyond her lifetime. In 2013, following a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, she embarked on a crucial mission: to ensure the protection of the 230-acre Varian Ranch from future development. In 2015, she announced a pioneering partnership with the California Rangeland Trust. This collaboration aimed to purchase the ranch's development rights, safeguarding the land, and crucially, to enable her long-time ranch manager, Angela Alvarez, to continue operating the esteemed horse breeding program after Sheila's passing. The plan stipulated that after Alvarez's tenure, the property would be gifted to the Trust for sale, with the conservation easement permanently running with the land. The Trust, in turn, committed to seeking a buyer who would uphold and continue the Arabian horse breeding program that Sheila Varian had so carefully cultivated. Sheila Varian passed away on March 6, 2016, at the age of 78, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of Arabian horses and a powerful legacy of land conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sheila Varian

Who was Sheila Varian?

Sheila Varian (1937–2016) was a highly influential and respected breeder of Arabian horses, based at her Varian Arabians Ranch in Arroyo Grande, California. She was also a celebrated horse trainer deeply rooted in the vaquero tradition.

What was her significant contribution to the horse world?

Sheila Varian developed a renowned breeding program that produced numerous influential Arabian horses whose bloodlines are found in a significant number of successful show horses across the United States. She was also known for adapting vaquero training methods to the Arabian breed.

What is the vaquero tradition?

The vaquero, or "Californio," tradition is a historic style of western riding and horsemanship originating in California, characterized by a focus on developing a light, responsive horse through patience, precise communication, and a strong partnership with the rider. Sheila Varian was mentored in this tradition.

What was the role of Bay Abi in her breeding program?

Bay Abi was Sheila Varian's national champion stallion and a cornerstone of her breeding program. He, along with several foundational mares including those imported from Poland, established the influential bloodlines of Varian Arabians.

How did Sheila Varian contribute to conservation?

Towards the end of her life, Sheila Varian worked to place her 230-acre Varian Ranch into a conservation easement through a partnership with the California Rangeland Trust. This ensured the land would be protected from development permanently, preserving it for future generations and aiming to continue the Arabian horse breeding program.

What recognition did she receive for her work?

Sheila Varian was recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation and received numerous awards within the Arabian horse industry. She was notably inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in 2003 for her contributions as a breeder and trainer in the vaquero tradition.