Lynne Shpak with her beloved Chief of State (a.k.a. Chevy) and sporting one of her custom designed pieces of jewelry.
On Sunday, October 19, 2014, the Maryland equestrian community lost beloved Morgan sport horse breeder and jewelry designer Lynne Shpak, who was killed in a freak accident while unloading an injured horse. She was 74.
The incident occurred near Utica, New York, where Lynne had traveled with a horse and a cart to help celebrate the wedding of a client and a friend. Lynne would want us to note that it was not one of her Morgans involved in the accident.
Born in 1940, Lynne climbed into the saddle at 4 and never left. She rode hunters and jumpers and broke yearlings at the track. In her early twenties, she discovered to dressage, carriage driving, long distance riding and the Morgan horse. In 1969, she established her Morgan breeding and training farm in Woodstock, naming it in honor of her foundation stallion The Statesman. With The Statesman, Lynne paved the way for the modern sport Morgan. Together they foxhunted, showed successfully through 4th level dressage, and drove in carriage events in the days before combined driving, competing in pleasure and obstacle classes, carriage, and marathon classes. The Statesman was undefeated in this early combined events. Through The Statesman’s bloodlines, Lynne has helped to define the modern Morgan sport horse.
In addition to the horses, Lynne was a well-respected fine jewelry designer, and a regular presence at regional trade shows as well as several Baltimore locations.
Formal services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2014 at the Sol Levinson & Brothers Funeral Home (8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland, 21208). The funeral home will stream the service live for those unable to attend. There will be a private burial for family only.
Members of the equestrian community are invited to a potluck “Celebration of the Life of Lynne” memorial service on the farm on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 2 p.m. Friends and members of the equestrian community are encouraged to share stories, memories and photos. Statesman Farm is located at 10715 Old Court Road, Woodstock, MD 21163.
Lynne leaves behind her son Andrew Shpak, sister Patricia Vyner Hawks, brother Dr. Henry Vyner; and her grandsons Nicholas and Alexander Shpak.
The Equiery extends its deepest sympathies to Lynne’s family and to her trusted farm manager Elizabeth Westbank. Lynne was an early client of and a loyal friend to The Equiery.
Donations may be made in Lynne’s memory to:
Maryland 4-H Foundatoin
Lynne Shpak Memorial
8020 Greenmead Drive
College Park, MD 20740
