Skip to content

Obituary - Donald O. Brockman



Donald O. Brockman, age 77, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004, due to an automobile accident. He was born May 20, 1926, in Appleton, Wis., the son of the late Elmer and Vi (Rohm) Brockman. In November of 1961 he was united in marriage to Betty Hilgendorf. Brockman was a 1945 graduate of Appleton High School, where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He was named MVP and All Conference center and set a track record.

Brockman was a well-respected horseman across the country. He started his career at Meadowood Farms, then worked at many stables, until establishing the successful Brockman Stables in Neenah, Wis., and most recently trained at Glen Valley Stables, Oshkosh, Wis. He trained some of the country’s best-known Saddlebred horses, as well as educated numerous accomplished equitation and amateur riders. Brockman was greatly admired for the development and training of Sultan Santana, a World’s Champion Stallion.

He was a founding member of the United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA), serving as secretary for 10 years and was inducted into the UPHA’s Hall of Fame in January 1996. He also, served on the Board of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Futurities. Brockman was named Horseman of the Year for the UPHA and ASAW. He was a highly respected judge of horse shows throughout the country.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his sons Timothy (Susan) Brockman, Arlington, Va., Walter (Patty) Brockman, Antigo, Wis., Donald (Angie) Brockman, Sangor, Texas, Thomas (Maureen) Meyer, Madison, Wis., and Timothy (Phyllis) Meyer, Spokane, Wash.; also, his daughter-in-law, Kathy Brockman, New Glarus, Wisc. He was a beloved grandfather to Gabriel and Kate Brockman, Aerianne and Gavin Brockman, Marissa and Terra Brockman, Kaila and Ben Meyer, Megan and Nathan Meyer; his sisters, Myrtle (Robert) Otis, Appleton, Wis.; Joanne Blume, Appleton and one brother, Jay (Ruth) Brockman, Washington City, Utah; also, numerous nieces and nephews.

Brockman will always be remembered not only for his outstanding horsemanship and professionalism, but also for his dedication to his wife, family, career and clients; and for the integrity with which he lived his life.

Friends may call at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1511 Nicolet Blvd., Neenah Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004, from 2 to 4 p.m. The funeral service will be at 4 p.m. at the church, with the Reverend Arthur H. Wille officiating. The burial will be at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to The American Saddlebred Museum, 4093 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

More Stories

  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More
  • FoalsNFocus – Week 1

    Here we are again, springtime. With the warmer temperatures and the greening of the landscape comes one of the most exhilarating times of the year for horsemen and women, foaling season! Hopes and dreams literally come to life. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 18 24

    Read More