April 2023 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN April 2023 Page 27 BLACK’S LIVESTOCK -The Next Pasture - Where the grass is always green, lush & stirrup high Individual Horse & Pet Cremation Standard Mortality 24 hour service available John E. Black: 610.220.5262 Matthew Hoffman: 610.656.3258 Office: 610.584.4482 Fax: 610.584.9111 BLACK’S LIVESTOCK P.O. Box 662 Skippack, PA 19472 www.nextpasture.com Diane and Irv Naylor at their Stillwater Farm in Maryland. Photo credit: Diane Naylor a quadriplegic. The story of Irv’s remarkable journey is not for the faint at heart. But what would have destroyed and embittered others left neither husband nor wife paralyzed by defeat. Instead, they’ve coursed the obstacle like a jockey determined to win and developed an even deeper passion for life—and most surprisingly, for the equine industry and the sport of steeplechase. One can hardly discuss stee- plechase without mention of Irv Naylor as both owner and jockey. Diane recounts, “April 18, 1998, was ‘The Wild Goose Chase’ held at the Grand National course. It was composed of all the ‘old tim- to retire the trophy. That was his goal! Irv rode in it four times and completed the course with his best placement a fourth.” Before the accident, Diane and Irv Naylor could’ve written a Webster’s Dictionary-sized book on business success, not only being a six-time NSA leading owner with as many as 40 horses, but also owning four ski resorts. Now they could write an encyclopedia collec- tion on the acceptance, inspiration, and spirit to move forward. Irv’s own remarkable spirit is known to many, but in an interview for the Baltimore Sun he admitted about his wife, “I don’t know what I would have done without her.” By Alicia Stephens Martin In April 1999, Diane Naylor’s husband of over two decades, 63-year-old Irv, took a devastating spill in the Grand Na- tional timber race. He had prom- ised her this ride would be his next to last race. The fall left him Diane Naylor: Dedicated Woman Beyond the Irons ers.’ Irv won it. His greatest love, however, is The Maryland Hunt Cup. His first win was with his horse, Make Me A Champ, ridden by Jo Davis in 2005 and again a win with his horse, Askim, ridden by Charles C. Fenwick III in 2008. Irv personally rode the race twice. You must win three times I have known Diane for thirty years, and ever a gracious person, she opened her home for a little tour. My visit to the Naylor’s Stillwater Farm in Maryland left me awestruck. Its rolling fields are dotted with physically impressive equines, and the house nestles in a peaceful setting with polished stables and a serene pond below. So Irv could have easy access, they added on a set of long halls to the garage (over 41 feet in combined length), which are lined with photos of his winning mo- ments and leaps and vaults over hedges. Finally, at the end of the last passage, on the very bottom corner, is a 5"x7" photo of a tiny girl on a pony—Diane as a child. This humble businesswoman, once a tomboy, is versed in many sports and activities, though her focus necessarily changed after Irv was injured. “I don’t ride, just as I don’t play tennis, go to the gym or ski.” But she continues to share and support their passion for steeplechase. They now have 21 race- horses in training, and others that sustained injury or reached retirement. “I don’t look back. Only forward,” she says. “Keep- ing busy helps. To me, it is like playing the piano. You can only concentrate on one thing at a time when you are playing. It gives your mind a chance to clear. I live each day at a time and usually by the minute or hour.” Although she rode in her ear- ly years, Diane says her involve- ment in horses was truly stirred when she met Irv. An avid fox- hunter with Green Spring Valley Hounds, he then purchased a few thoroughbreds to run in steeple- chase races. Before that, she says her involvement with horses was limited to watching the Kentucky Derby each year on TV. In addition to daily care- giving, Diane coordinates many facets of farm and business life. Former president of York PA’s Planned Parenthood and York Junior League, she has been involved with United Way, Access York, and Ladew Gar- dens, and recently joined the board of Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation (TGSF), which promotes young riders, many of whom have gone on to become professional steeplechase jockeys. (Continued on page 38)