Gary Charles Duffy

Gary Charles Duffy, age 72, passed away on April 4, 2026, in Ocala, Florida. Born on October 23, 1953, in Hicksville, New York, he was the beloved son of Charles Patrick Duffy and Augusta Irene Weber. Gary grew up on Long Island, where he attended Hicksville High School, graduating in 1972. He pursued higher education at SUNY Morrisville, earning an Associate's degree in Animal Science, and continued his studies at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science in 1976. Ithaca became a cherished home for Gary, where he established roots and began a lifetime dedicated to his passion for equestrian pursuits. He began his career as a professional horseman for Molly Butler of Glen Nant Farm that spanned many years as a trainer, owner, and exhibitor and sponsor. Gary and his wife, Donna, founded Little Brook Farm in 1990 at their home in Ithaca, New York, which grew into a vibrant legacy. A distinguished figure in the world of equestrian sports, Gary was dedicated to training top show hunters in both horse and pony divisions on the prestigious "AA" circuit sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). His expertise and dedication were exemplified through numerous national winners, including serving as a sales agent for the USEF Grand Champions Pony of the Year in the Small and Medium divisions in 1997, and the breeder and trainer of the USEF Green Pony of the Year the same year. Gary's career was marked by a series of significant accomplishments, including importing, training, and selling the Grand Hunter Champion at the Devon Horse Show and achieving the Overall Green Pony Champion title at the US Pony Finals. He continued his legacy by qualifying several horses and ponies for the Indoor Show circuit, achieving top ribbons and winning several classes, including training and agenting the sale of the horse that won the West Coast Junior Hunter Finals Grand Championship in California. An esteemed judge licensed by the USEF for Hunter and Equitation divisions, Gary also served as a specialty judge for the American Quarter Horse Association. His dedication to the sport extended beyond training, as he held various roles, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and contributing as a division sponsor for events like the Buffalo International Horse Show and the Capital Challenge Show. Gary was not only a revered horseman but also a man of refined tastes, with a fondness for traditional, vintage Americana antiques, oriental rugs, and unique pieces representing the American experience. His influence and contributions to the equestrian community were vast and enduring. Gary is survived by his sister, Geraldine Duffy Glibowski, her husband Mike, and their four children Shannon, Michael, Katie, and Meaghan. He is also survived by his two daughters, Kelsey Duffy and Augusta Levendorf, along with her husband Mark and their sons Robert, David, and George. His legacy within the equestrian realm and beyond will be cherished and remembered by all those whose lives he touched through his passion, dedication, and remarkable achievements.

Gary Charles Duffy

October 23, 1953 - April 4, 2026