Diane and Irv Naylor. Credit Diane Naylor
In April 1999, Diane Naylor’s husband of over two decades, 63-year-old Irv, took a devastating spill in the Grand National timber race. He had promised her this ride would be his next to last race. The fall left him 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 steeplechase 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 timers.’ 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 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 collection 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.”
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 moments 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 racehorses in training, and others that sustained injury or reached retirement. “I don’t look back. Only forward,” she says. “Keeping 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 early years, Diane says her involvement in horses was truly stirred when she met Irv. An avid foxhunter with Greenspring Valley Hounds, he then purchased a few jumpers to run in steeplechase races, and one hurdler. Before that, she says her involvement with horses was limited to watching the Kentucky Derby each year on TV.
In addition to daily caregiving, 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 Gardens, 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.
Diane affirms that due to a lack of jockeys, several come from abroad to ride in our circuit. “The industry needs younger owners.” Another issue is lack of basic barn assistants. “How can you support a racing stable without help?” She experienced the shortage firsthand this past winter, and displayed her usual strong work ethic, pitching in as needed. “I was a warm body and although I hate to admit it, I quite enjoyed it.” The task is a perfect “clearing your mind opportunity.”
She believes the equine industry needs to alert the public to the different world of steeplechase. The sport receives little media attention, although the governing body, The National Steeplechase Association, is trying to change this. They have created a website with the current race schedules, where viewers can watch the races on personal devices for a small fee.
For 200 years, American steeple racing has allowed participants to enjoy both competition and self-expression in a country setting. Both family and friends can tailgate amid thundering equines as they leap hurdles or timber. Steeplechase unites the owners’ hopes, trainers’ expertise, and jockeys’ insight with a zealous audience, generating unforgettable events.
In 2018, the National Steeplechase Foundation merged with the Temple Gwathmey Fund, forming the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation (TGSF). Temple Gwathmey was an avid horseman and sportsman. He won the 1904 American Grand National with St. Jude. He owned an English ’chaser that twice ran in the English Grand National. When Gwathmey died in 1924, E.M. Weld and other friends swiftly joined to fund a memorial steeplechase, the Temple Gwathmey handicap at Belmont Park. Weld commissioned a silver Tiffany trophy for the race; it’s still awarded today.
Diane says the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation has a goal to preserve the sport of steeplechase racing by supporting amateur and apprentice racing opportunities, supporting the safety of the sport, preserving its history, and promoting the sport through weekly recaps that cover all aspects of jump racing and relevant steeplechase stories. Anyone can sign up on their website for free to receive this information. Visit TGSteeplechaseFoundation.org for details.
Diane is quite passionate about this organization, as she feels it’s passion that must keep this sport going. The future of the steeplechase foundation depends on generosity so that the TGSF can continue to create opportunities that advance American jump racing well into the future century.
TGSF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit tax exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible within federal and state limits.
When asked how to juggle small as well as behemoth tasks when faced with enormous obstacles, Diane advises, “Try to stay positive. When my parents were still alive, my mother would always say, ‘Don't cuss, call us.’ Having family and friends for support is important.”
Alicia Stephens Martin is a businesswoman and writer from South Central Pennsylvania, author of three novels: Spurred to Justice, Spurred to Jump, and Private Mom. Her fourth novel, Spurred to Jealousy, will release in April 2023 completing the Spurred to Trilogy.