The show horse world suffered a tremendous loss on Tuesday, December 20, when longtime Morgan and Saddlebred owner and exhibitor Debra Hurst, of San Diego, California, passed away. A beloved mother and friend, Debra has been involved with horses for more than 40 years, passing on her love of show horses to her daughter, Tayler Walters.
Debra’s distinguished Morgan champions included horses such as Meet George Jetson GCH, Pegasus Commander Jack, RWF On Display, HVK Brass Ring, MLF Caliente, Never Surrender, No Doubt, Total Request, Dragonsmeade Courante, Boxford Drummerboy, ECP Scandalous and numerous other stars of the show ring. Her notable Saddlebreds in recent years include Balenciaga, CF A Rare Genius, CH Front Row Frankie, Catalytic and Cloverleaf Turner Jake.
In addition to her accolades in the show ring, Debra also was a successful attorney of 34 years. A top graduate from the University of San Diego’s law school, Debra eventually established Hurst & Hurst law firm in 1994 alongside father George Hurst, specializing as a plaintiff’s attorney in civil law. She won countless cases for her clients and was honored three times as the San Diego Trial Attorney of the Year.
Despite her prowess and toughness in both the courtroom and the show ring, Debra was warm and welcoming to everyone she met. She also was a fierce and loyal friend, who was always there to lend an ear or offer a glass of wine. A classy lady who was as beautiful inside as she was out, Debra was truly one-of-a-kind.
National Horseman extends sincere condolences to all who knew and loved Debra, including her two children, Tayler and Matthew Walters; her mother, Beverly Hurst; and her two sisters, Leslie and Sheri.