01/31/2026
A bit of a read…thoughts on the passing of a legacy.🐴🙏
Jerry and I are sad to share the passing of Karen J. Russell, Hutchinson, KS. To our “older” horse friends who attended multiple “KR Clinics” at Rocking V we are thankful to have shared a place for this legendary horsewoman to devote her expertise to those willing to learn. For those that are unfamiliar, these are a few of her equestrian highlights: AQHA judge, instructor, world champion trainer, and Kansas Quarter Horse Hall of Fame 2005 inductee. Karen was also a classroom teacher - an asset in the arena.
Personally, she was my mentor and helped shape who I am more than she ever knew. Money was always tight where the horses were concerned growing up. My late mother (also a teacher and the same age as Karen) would find a way for my sister and I to have lessons at Karen’s place before the Kansas State Fair. As a young teenager through my early 30’s I was hungry for any bit of wisdom and coaching I could get from her. Karen was brutally blunt. She liked some of my horses and clearly didnt like one i had. The horse I fulfilled my early AQHA dreams with as a young amateur Karen helped sell into his next chapter as an AQHA youth horse. She liked Arizona! When I became a mother she gave me advice on trying to balance work, family and the horses. My last memory of instruction from Karen was watching her coach our very young daughter Jordan in a showmanship lesson. I was probably in tears of joy!
Karen was tough and probably toughest on those who cared and tried harder. They were worth her time. I can remember her throwing dirt clods from the arena at me, often yelling at me. As an introverted, quiet person often struggling with low self esteem through tears AND smiles, I always wanted to improve. I valued her experience and wanted more. Not a single horsemanship/equitation ride or showmanship practice Ive done since is she not in my head. Thank you Karen, for still making me want to be better for the horse, myself and others. May you enjoy many heavenly rides. 🤗🐴❤️
Karen Janette Russell, 89, of Hutchinson, passed away January 28, 2026, at Hester Care Center The Wesley. She was born July 2, 1936, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Damon H. and Vivian D. Vincent McFadden. Karen was known as a strong, determined, and no-nonsense woman who held herselfand everyone around h...
