Obituary - Maynard Casler
Friday, November 9, 2007
A most unique character throughout the Northeast for decades, Maynard Casler of Ravena, N.Y., died Oct. 14, 2007. He was born May 31, 1918, in Middleville, N.Y., to Mary Jackson and George Casler. He graduated from Middleville High School. He was a sales manager for the J I Case Company, then for Howe Brothers in Center Brunswick, N.Y., for over 40 years. He and his wife, Helen, owned and operated Misty Hills Stables in Center Brunswick where they bred, trained, boarded and showed horses for over 45 years.
“He always had horses as a youngster,” said daughter Jan Lukens. “Early on he owned a general store and it had a livery stable. I was given a grade pony when I was seven and we started showing a little bit. I noticed my pony wasn’t quite like the others and soon we got a walk-trot pony and eventually an equitation horse.”
Under Casler’s Misty Hills banner were many prominent show stars, many of which were owned and shown by the William Schaefer family and others. Maynard’s main attraction was his beloved stallion Captain Conestoga that sired such greats as CH Broadway News, CH All America Boy, CH Broadway Blues, CH Baron Sabini, CH Grande Dam, CH Rare Rascal, CH Java Sea, and Chandelay. “He loved that old stud more than anything,” said Lukens.
Other notable horses stabled at Misty Hills were Star Of Destiny, CH Main Dame, CH Supreme Odyssey, CH Callaway’s Mr. Republican, CH Venus In Gray, CH Olympic Flame, Star Crossed, Quite Frankly, Dark Hour, CH Shadow’s Creation, Hello Dolly, CH Callaway’s Chandelle, Dun Haven Infatuation, Reflections, and Maynard’s Renee. Some of those who worked for him included Sally Lindabury, Jeff Kidd and Darlene Trento-Wright.
“Maynard had a big impact on the Saddle Horse business in the Northeast,” said Lindabury who worked for Casler for many years. “Between being a hard worker, raising all those colts and introducing the Schaefers to the horse business he did leave his mark. He was definitely unique to work for. He and I would fight like cats and dogs but he gave me quite an opportunity and overall it was a wonderful experience.”
Casler loved the world of horses and even into his 80s could be found at the stables. The United Professional Horseman’s Association Chapter 14 named him Horseman of the Year in 1991.
The well-known horseman was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and his beloved dog, Duke. He is survived by his daughters, Jan Lukens and her sons, John and Jeffrey Lukens; Jill Colver and her sons, Brent, Erick and Evie; five grandsons, four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
A memorial service will be held November 24 at the Jan Lukens Stables in Ravena, New York. William Schaefer will deliver the eulogy. Memorials may be made in his name to the Saddlebred Rescue, 4 Westview Dr., Blairstown, NJ 07825.
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