By Martha Claussen

PEASTER, TX—OCTOBER 1, 2020—The Quarter Horse industry lost one of its finest ambassadors with the passing of trainer John Buchanan on August 28. He was in Ruidoso, New Mexico when he suffered a heart attack and died the age of 69.

Although he was born in Tennessee, he and his wife, Iris, resided in Peaster, Texas where they raised their daughter, Amanda. Buchanan’s training career got underway in Florida in the late 70’s. From the beginning, he developed a reputation as a true “hands on horseman.” He developed an exceptional roster of futurity champions, but also showed patience with those who needed the time to mature and show their brilliance as older horses.

Buchanan had notable success at Ruidoso Downs, winning the 1987 All American Futurity with Elans Special as well as victories in the Grade 1, All American Derby and Rainbow Futurity.

But Texas was home for the Buchanans where he supported Sam Houston Race Park, Lone Star Park and Retama Park, winning graded stakes and many regional AQHA Challenge stakes.

On Sunday, September 27, Amanda Buchanan Hamilton, her daughter, Brix and husband Scott were on hand at Lone Star Park. It was Dash For Cash Futurity night and Buchanan had won the 2000 edition of the championship with Pivotal Decision.

She wanted to spread the word that a Celebration of the Life of John Buchanan will take place on Sunday, October 11 at 11 am in the sale pavilion of Cox Ranch in Weatherford, Texas. The event is open to all friends and fans of her late father; a brisket lunch will be served, and all attendees will be able to share their memories of the beloved horseman.

“His horses were his babies, that’s for sure,” said his daughter. “It’s a lost art to be a true horseman, but that was so important to my father.”

Buchanan Hamilton also shared that a John Buchanan Scholarship is in the works as a way to pay tribute to her father. She explained that it will be open to anyone wishing to further their education, either in a college or vocational program.

“My dad was a big advocate of education,” she explained. “He encouraged me to continue my studies. My mom and I felt that offering a scholarship in his name would be a fitting way to honor his legacy. He wanted everyone to succeed in life, whatever it was they chose to do.”

More information on the John Buchanan Scholarship will be announced in the near future and posted on Facebook.

John Buchanan’s Celebration of Life
Sunday, October 11 at 11:00 am (CDT)
Cox Ranch
11501 FM 920
Weatherford, TX 76088

* * * * * * * * * * *

Martha Claussen has been involved in features writing and racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, Oklahoma and other regions in North America since 1997.