Obituary - Daniel G. Keller
Monday, May 23, 2016
In training with Andre van Schalkwyk, Star Salesman was the last horse owned by Dan Keller.
On Thursday, May 5, 2016 the Saddlebred industry lost a loving friend and passionate horseman, Daniel G. Keller. He was born January 30, 1938 in Denver, Colorado. Throughout life many people search for something to be passionate about. Passion found Daniel at a young age when he fell in love with the American Saddlebred. The stunningly bold and beautiful Saddle Horse would go on to bring him many years of excitement, laughter, and ultimately joy.
As a young man Dan showed under Martin Cockriel’s guidance with his beloved 5-gaited mare, Windsor’s Fascination (Missy). Missy went on to be a staple broodmare for the Saddlebred world. She produced Commander’s Martha and Lady Windsor. Both horses won the Texas State Futurity Championships under John Biggins and Don Roby in the same year. Commander’s Martha won the yearling and Lady Windsor won the two-year-old fine harness. Commander’s Martha became a broodmare just like her mother Missy and produced the grand five-gaited mare, Katy Keen. Katy Keen resembled Windsor’s Fascination in many ways. Both horses could rack up a storm and were the epitome of a true show horse.
Not long ago Dan’s love of the breed called him to move to Kentucky to be near the center of the saddle horse world. The bluegrass state was the perfect place to live out his life and passion for horses. In Kentucky, Dan owned the expressive gaited gelding, Ken Follet, now owned by Frank Jones. His next venture was with Star Salesman (Elvis), whom is currently in training at Ventura Farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky. This was Dan’s last horse to own and treasure.
Horses weren't the only animals Dan had a heart for. His beautiful Cocker Spaniels, Cary and Grant, whom he loved unconditionally went everywhere and did everything with him. Over the years his dogs were in attendance at many of the horse shows and brought smiles to many faces. Dan was the type of friend any animal or person would search a lifetime to find. A friend that was helpful and put others needs before his own with his generosity. Everyone who knew him knew he was opinionated but in the best way and with the best of intentions. Dan was always there with words of encouragement and found special enjoyment going to horse shows and cheering on his friends and horses. American Saddlebreds leave lasting marks on our hearts. They are such remarkable animals that can be our best friend, our teacher, and can create lasting memories. Dan and his horses shared that love and compassion with so so many. He will be sorely missed by all that were lucky enough to know him.
Contributions can be made to the American Saddlebred Museum in horror of Daniel G. Keller.
Dan Keller lived a long life filled with love for the American Saddlebred.
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