The Man
The Legend
But most of all
MY DAD
Without him there would be no horse page....
Without him there would not have been the knowledge for this breeding program...
He was my Dad
My friend
My teacher
This article, written by my father's friend and fellow horseman, Joan Lutz, appeared in a local paper after his death:
A TRIBUTE TO A HORSEMAN
~~~~by Joan Lutz
We honor today the life of our friend and fellow horseman. Art Stukins. Any one from Preble County and the surrounding areas over the age of twenty-five and who grew up in the horse business, either knew or heard of Arthur Stukins. Those of us who showed horses in the late forties and fifties not only knew him, but have been beaten by him in the show ring more times than we care to remember.
It was Art, who set the record for the highest price draft team ever sold in Preble County, the year was 1940. It was Art, who helpoed organize the "All American Palomino Show" held right here on these fairgrounds in August 1946.
It was Art, who campaigned the great champion horse "Mill Stream Hub" throughout these United States in the early fifties. Art's keen eye for good horse flesh didn't just happen. He was taught by his father and grandfather who both imported coach horses from England to the United States in the 1800's.
It isn't surprising that Art could pick defects that any average horseman would miss. Perhaps that is why his breeding program produced horses that are winners here today. His accomplishments in the horse world were outstanding and his personal life was one that we could all learn from. His marriage to his wife, Martha, ended only with his death at age 88. The world has lost a true horseman and all of us who knew him were left far better for his presence here.
It is with great pride and honor that his granddaughter, Carol Stukins Gaver, presents the Art Stukins Memorial Trophy, sponsored by his son, John, to Brian Carpenter and his good horse Sugar Star, High Point Youth of the Preble County Fair 1986.
