Peter H. VanGuysling

Peter H. VanGuysling, 79, passed away Sunday August 7, 2022 at home surrounded by family. He was born in Albany, NY on 8/16/1942 to Perry & Evelyn VanGuysling (deceased). Peter grew up in the Pine Hills section of Albany with his 4 siblings, where he attended high school at the Vincentian Institute in Albany and graduated from the Junior College of Albany. He enlisted in the army for 2 years, after which he worked for a short time at his father’s business, Composition Corporation. But for him it was always the horses. At the age of 12 his aunt Edna Powers introduced him to horses, and thus started his life long passion for the equestrian sport. Peter first learned how to ride with Russel Stewart at My Play Stables, where he learned the art of communication between horse and rider. He was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to try out many disciplines, from the typical English and Western riding, to steeplechase, foxhunting and breezing horses at the track. But he turned to the sport of show jumping and made a life from that. Peter started Dutch Manor Stable in 1967, on the outskirts of Albany, NY. There he trained young horses and riders to become more than what they were. Some of the country’s top riders and trainers of today got their start riding at Dutch Manor and achieved recognition at numerous A-rated shows including competing in the American Horse Show Association (AHSA) Medal Finals and the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Maclay Finals. He did this working with Cindy Ford in the early 70/80s and then with Nora Hanlon from1986 on. Peter showed extensively up and down the east coast, including at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden with Balmoral in 1971. After obtaining his judging license, Peter balanced running his stables and traveling the US and parts of Canada judging at large and small shows alike, all while raising a family with his wife Linda. In his later years he still enjoyed training young riders on the old-school tried and true mechanics of riding, and on how to work with your horse’s strengths and personality. He always enjoyed the ones who were a bit “hot” as he liked to say. They were a puzzle to be solved and usually the ones who eventually went the best in the show ring. Peter was a founding member of the Capital District Hunter Jumper Council, alongside Con Culkin, John Blair, William Joyce, and Ralph P. Symmes. The CDHJC is an organization that promotes horse show opportunities for the equestrian community in the greater Capital District and Peter was very proud of this accomplishment. But he was most proud of his family and friendships. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Linda (Gibb) VanGuysling and his children Michael H. VanGuysling (Denise Popow), & Gail Tidmarsh (Paul). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kaitlin, Trevin, Matthew, Keelin, Jack & Ryan; his siblings, Maryann McLaughlin, Lisa Hanifan, Mark VanGuysling (Patricia), Kathleen Flood (Paul); his nieces and nephews, his business partner Nora Hanlon and his extended Dutch Manor family. He will be greatly missed by all, but his legacy will continue in those who knew him, loved him and learned from him. In life, just like on a horse, you must be “Forward, Straight and Balanced”. There will be no formal services, as Peter requested a celebration of his life, to be planned for the fall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to your local animal shelter, the ASPCA or St. peters Hospice of Albany, NY

Peter H. VanGuysling

August 16, 1942 - August 7, 2022