Janice Marie Spink

Janice Marie Spink, a pioneer in the field of Therapeutic Riding, passed away quietly at her beloved “Corgimara Farm” in Charlottesville, Va. on March 5, 2019. Jan had been suffering from a progressive neurological disorder and died from complications stemming from the disease. She was 64 years old.

Jan was born to John and Mary Noreen Dodd Spink on January 29, 1955 in Washington D.C. She was married to Irving L. Jones III on October 12,1985 in Eureka Springs, Ar.

Jan is survived by her husband, Irving “Tripp” Jones, their daughter, Savannah Marie Jones, and her stepson Zachary D. Jones, of Eureka Springs, Ar. Jan is also survived by her brother, Brian Spink and his wife Martha Spink, of Havelock, NC and their children, Nicole Spink and Emily Spink. Jan is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Trisha Spink.

Jan earned her M.A. in 1982 and in her early years served as the Assistant Coach to the first U.S. Disabled Equestrian Team. In 1990, she was the recipient of the prestigious Michael McCulloch Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a professional in research, service, and education. The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (present day Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) presented her with The James Brady Professional Achievement Award in 1993. In 1987 she founded the New Harmony Institute, a non-profit organization that provided therapeutic riding services to children and adults on her farm in Charlottesville.

Jan’s life was centered around her love for horses and her family. She raised and trained her two beloved therapy horses, Honey and her foal, Jonathan who could safely carry a toddler or foxhunt with Jan mounted sidesaddle. She loved to travel and help Therapeutic Riding Centers all over the US and Canada to develop and improve their programs.

Those who wish to gather in memory of Jan are welcome to join us at Corgimara Farm on the 13th of April at 12 pm.