Trinidad Barba

J Trinidad Barba “Trino” was born January 1, 1949 in Canadas de Obregon, Mexico to Gonzalo Barba and Macrina Gomez. He spent most of his childhood in Valle de Guadalupe Jalisco, Mexico with his 6 brothers and 4 sisters. In 1969, when he was 20 years old he came over to San Clemente, CA at Elmore Ranch where he worked as an Exercise Rider. He exercised many contenders during his time on the ranch. He had a passion for horses that ran deep in his blood which drew him to the racetrack even after the ranch sold.

After the ranch sold, he moved onto the racetrack circuit where he met his first wife, Alexis, and had their son, “The Champ”, George Alexander Barba. He spent as much time with his son as he could, as a result George seemed to never leave his side. He worked for many distinguished trainers: Darrell Vienna, John Gosden, Eddie Gregson, Howard Belvoir, and Paco Gonzalez. Eddie Gregson inspired Trino to get his trainer’s license and become a trainer. During his career as a trainer, he brought home many winners. Trino was well known on the racetrack as a trainer and an exercise rider.

In 1996, he moved to Seattle Washington to work for Howard Belvoir. He loved Washington very much. On his time off away from the horses he loved to go to the Green River and barbecue with his friends. He married his second wife, Patricia and his family grew with the addition of his stepchildren: Marlena, Amanda, and Jonathan.

Trino was well-respected and loved by everyone. He was a man of few words, very quiet and reserved, and most definitely a good listener. He always had his hair combed a certain way which he never let anyone touch. Besides riding horses, Trino loved nature and being outdoors: hiking to Chantry Flats, skiing, swimming, playing cards and soccer especially. One of his favorite pastimes was working in the yard with his exceptional green thumb and every flower would bloom and every tree would bear fruit. After many years of sickness, Trino took his walk with God on March 25th, 2016 at the age of 66.

Arrangements under the direction of Turner & Stevens Live Oak Mortuary, Monrovia, CA.