IBHA VP and Longtime Horse Enthusiast, Eugene Zimmermann, Has Passed
International Buckskin Horse Association
The IBHA family lost an amazing person this past weekend. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of IBHA Vice President Eugene Zimmermann, who passed away on Saturday.
Gene has been an IBHA Judge for 30 years and was Chairman of the Judges Committee. Anyone who showed at the World Show knew him as he worked it for 20 years, mostly as the equipment manager. In addition, he has served on the IBHA Executive Committee for years. Recently, Gene was trying to get an IBHA charter club started in the Minnesota/South Dakota area.
He was an IBHA advocate and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him! We wish his wonderful wife Irene Zimmermann peace at this time of mourning.
Last year, EquineChronicle.com was honored to write a story about how Gene and his wife had a horse that helped them win their first IBHA World Championship title. Gene had shown horses for over 50 years and trained many Champions in multiple breeds, including AQHA, POAC, and PHBA. However, the one title that always eluded him was an International Buckskin Horse Association World Championship.
With 27 years spent as an IBHA judge, Chairman of the IBHA Judges Committee, and IBHA Vice President, as well as 22 years of serving as Equipment Judge, Back Up Judge, Ring Steward, or World Show Judge at the IBHA World Show, Gene was so involved behind the scenes that he never had the opportunity to try for a World title within the association he held so near and dear to his heart.
His dream came true last September when Julia Adams showed Gene’s miniature buckskin mare, Tappn Hot Tillie, to a World Championship title in Halter as well as Top 10 finishes in every class they entered.
Julia and Gene’s horse, Tillie, at the 2017 IBHA World Show.
