Juan Bautista Ledgard

Juan Ledgard, known affectionately by old family friends as "Juancho," passed away suddenly on March 4, 2018, just short of his 59th birthday. Juan died with his "boots on", doing what he truly loved. Born in Lima, Peru, Juan attended the Humboldt school and later graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Universidad de Lima. Juan started his career at Banco de Credito BCP. In 1988 he studied at Westmoreland Davis Equestrian Institute. In 1992 Juan moved to Florida to begin to live his equestrian dreams. His passion was always his love of horses. Juan was an accomplished equestrian trainer, revered and respected by students, trainers, and associates. There was a special relationship between Juancho and the riders he mentored. Juancho participated in numerous dressage competitions, the last of which was the Juegos Boliviaranos representing Peru in November 2017 where he received the Bronze medal. Among his greatest achievements and successes, he received the USDF Bronze and Silver medals from the United States Dressage Federation. He was elated at recently having attended a clinic by the renowned former chief rider at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Arthur Kottas Heldenberg, whom was greatly admired by Juan. Since 2006, Juan made his home at Sacramonte Farm in Ocala, FL. Sacramonte was "his dream come true". With the purchase of the farm, he built barns and trained countless students with expertise and dedication. Juan leaves behind many family and friends, and the love of his life. Jim Holstrom will forever keep Juan's memory of love, companionship, laughter, passion, and gusto. Juan loved life, family, friends, as they all brought him great joy as evidenced by his ever present smile. Juan is survived by his sister Maria Fe and Michael, brothers Carlos Jose, Gonzalo and Fleur, and Jose Antonio "Toño" and Lucy. Juan's living aunts, Carmen y Maruja de Lavalle were very special to him, as were his many nephews, nieces, and cousins. His Holstrom family, Ed and Pam, Sarah and Pete, David and Liz, Bob and Fran, Mike and Chris, Mary Pat and Jim, Reid and Margaret, Colleen and Tom, as well as his numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He loved his barn family, students, past and present, his church friends, and many friends from all around the globe. Closest to him were his dearest friends, Gail Newstein, Jet Ledgard, and Tito Lanata. Gail was much more than a dear friend, Juan appreciated her love, affection and friendship. He relied on her for support in challenging times. With Juan's passing Gail reminds us, "Live life to the fullest and savour every moment." Visitation and Service A Celebration of Juan's life will be held at 4 pm, on Saturday March 10, at Beyers Funeral Home, 134 North Highway 27/441, Lady Lakes, FL 32159. The family will receive friends from 3 - 4 pm. Memorial Donations In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Juan and Jim's mothers ( https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html - click "DONATE"), or in his name to the Fallen Oaks Equine Rescue, PO Box 1142, Glen St. Mary, FL 32040.

Juan Bautista Ledgard

March 10, 1959 - March 4, 2018