Gerry Ibanez, Sponsor of Pan Am Gold Medalist Sarah Lockman & Owner of First Apple, Has Died Unexpectedly
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Nov. 22, 2019
Gerry Ibanez, sponsor of Pan American Games gold medalist Sarah Lockman, owner of First Apple and financial supporter of U.S. dressage, has died unexpectedly.
Gerry, a successful businessman, was the owner of Summit Farm in Murrieta, California where Sarah was based with First Apple on which she won team silver and individual gold at the Pan Ams in Lima, Peru in July. Sarah and First Apple, a nine-year-old KWPN stallion, will be based in Wellington, Florida for the Global Dressage Festival winter circuit seeking selection for the U.S. team for the Tokyo Olympics next year.
“His family will honor him and his desires by continuing support for Sarah Lockman and her potential Olympic mounts as the 2020 Games near and into the preparation for the 2024 Olympics Games,” the family said in a statement. “The team at Summit Farm will carry on Gerry’s legacy in each competition and each ride will be in dedication to Gerry.”
Summit Farms is sponsoring the $10,000 Summit Farm Future Challenge Prix St. George Series for seven to nine year olds to be held throughout the Global circuit Jan. 8-Mar. 29 at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s Stadium complex.
The Gerry Ibanez Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the winner to honor Gerry’s legacy and dedication to this sport.
In addition, a $40,000 training package with coach Debbie McDonald will be awarded to a selected youth rider.
“Although Gerry was a part of this community for a limited time, those that knew him can attest to the great man he was and the dreams he had for Sarah and for his entire team,” the family statement said. “His love for horses was instilled in him from his childhood and he continued that passion until the end.”
