NCHA News

FORT WORTH, TX – Don Ellis, a true legend in the horse world, passed away at his home in Heyworth, Illinois, on Tuesday, March 25, at the age of 91.

Born on October 3, 1933, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Ellis’ life was a testament to his deep passion for horses and his unwavering dedication to the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). His remarkable career, spanning over five decades, left an enduring mark on the equine industry.

Following high school, Ellis was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Austria. In 1957, Ellis married Barbara Davis, and they began pursuing his love for horses, training horses in various locations. At one point, even training horses for August Busch Jr. (the owner of Anheuser-Busch Brewing) in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1964, they moved to Heyworth, Illinois, where they purchased their own farm and established Ellis Training Stables.

A masterful horseman, Ellis trained and showed horses across a wide range of disciplines, including halter, western pleasure, reining, and cutting. His passion extended beyond training - he was a dedicated mentor to youth and amateur riders, guiding them to success at prestigious events such as the AQHA World Championship Show, the AQHYA World Championship Show, the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, and numerous amateur championships.

Throughout his career, Ellis trained and exhibited more than 50 AQHA and NCHA Champions and two Supreme Champions (AQHA’s Highest Award). Beyond his achievements in the arena, Ellis was an active leader in the equine community. He served in various officer and board roles for the NCHA, Mid-State Illinois Cutting Horse Association (MSICHA), and Illinois Quarter Horse Association (IQHA). For nearly two decades, he was a respected judge for the AQHA, NCHA, and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA). A lifetime member of the AQHA, Ellis and Barbara were honored with induction into the Illinois Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

Ellis is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara; his sons, David (Tina) of Downs, Illinois, and Bradley of Billings, Montana; his grandchildren, Amber Jones (Clinton) and Emily Ellis Cardon (Hunter); and his great-grandchildren, Cash Jones and Jane Ellis Cardon. He was predeceased by his parents and his grandson, Justin Ellis.

He was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Heyworth, Illinois.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, located at 204 East Cole Street, Heyworth, Illinois. A graveside service will follow immediately at Miller-Rutledge Cemetery, located at E 325 North Road, Heyworth, Illinois. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Don’s memory to the United Methodist Church in Heyworth.

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