Karin (Peterson) Holmes passed away at home in Canadice March 26, 2017, after a long illness. She is survived by her son Kurt Holmes of Conesus, daughter Diane Holmes, grandson Jesse Freund both of Canadice. Brother Kurt Petersen, sister-in-law, Vera Petersen both of Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Niece, Linda Petersen. Nephews, Paul Petersen, Glenn Petersen, Steven Petersen. Great nieces, Brit, Sydney, and Carmen. Great nephews, Bryce, Alex, Brayden, Erik, and Shan all of Ontario and British Columbia Canada as well as extended family and friends.
“Big things come in small packages”
Karin was the epitome of that saying. She was born in Kollund, Denmark. From generations of farmers and having both grandfathers known horse breeders it was her passion to follow in their legacy. Her grandfather Edlif Petersen was known throughout Europe for his majestic Belgian Stallions.
After weathering WWII, she met her husband, an American soldier and immigrated to the United States and had a family. Eventually settling in New York where she started her own business of running a horse farm.
Karin became a successful and accomplished equestrian, trainer, teacher and breeder. She had a keen eye for a good horse and a knack for training those that were difficult, like her beloved “Luke” whom she broke, trained and showed at a competitive level. As a breeder, Karin was sought out for her lovely, talented offspring, most she broke and trained herself. Many became champions. At 80 she was able to show and win with her final baby two-time Grand Champion Bentley.
She was fearless and tireless as a competitor – Steeple Chases (winning) eventing, and Dressage before it was taken seriously by her peers.
She studied and trained with the best, George Morris, and Capt. Nadsy.
Her time was devoted to Pony Club, was a member of the Genesee Valley Breeders, Dressage Association, Genesee Valley Fox Hunt Club, and an innovator of many projects.
Karin will be greatly and deeply missed but leaves an immensely rich legacy to so many.
Services were held privately. Burial Canadice Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Richmond Ambulance, PO Box 469, Honeoye, NY 14471, Ontario-Yates Hospice/FLVNS, 756 Pre-Emption Rd., Geneva, NY 14456, or any animal shelter of your choice. Arrangements, Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., Livonia ~ Honeoye. To send a condolence please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Mrs. Holmes (as I knew her then, and respectfully always referred to her as) was a generous lady – and a fine teacher. I was fortunate to take part in her exchange program while a high school student at Honeoye Central School. We cleaned stalls, fed, watered, exercised and groomed her horses in exchange for dressage lessons. She did some haying – we helped with that too. One time we ran over a bee’s nest made in a hay row while baling hay – chaos ensued! Once a hired hand of hers locked 3 of us in the tack room and then left the property for the day. Mrs Holmes released us, bewildered by his behavior. We just laughed. She let us pick cherries from her trees – needless to say our tables had lots of cherry jam each June. Loved it! All of it. Great memories!!! I learned SO MUCH from her, loved to ride those big thoroughbreds of hers both in the ring and on the forest trails on the hills of Canadice. I’m sorry to hear she had been ill and that she has passed. Rest in peace, Mrs. Holmes. We will always remember you with warmth.
Karin was a lovely lady and was a pleasure to know & visit with from the first time we met. I met Karin @ Agway in Hemlock. After that we delivered hay & straw to her for many years. Karin always had time for a visit & was so interesting. You would never find a more knowledgeable or caring horse person. She will be missed by many.
Lovely lady, so hard working, but always willing to stop what she was doing to spend a few moments. As a neighbor in Canadice, our children loved stopping by to say hi to the horses in the field. I will always remember when one of her beautiful peacocks migrated to our property. She was so gracious and grateful when we captured and returned him to her. Condolences to all who knew and loved her. The Masci’s- Middle Rd. Canadice
I delivered hay to her for many years. A very classy lady! I enjoyed many visits with her. She will be missed.
Karin was an inspiration to me. She had boundless energy and a true passion for her chosen profession. She lived her life doing what she wanted and she did it in a big way. She will be missed.