Lisa Barthelemy was born July 12, 1960. She entered the Appaloosa industry in 1983 when she and her dad bought a four year-old racehorse Battle Rock. Throughout the years Lisa was very active and supportive of several Appaloosa organizations; Cal-Western Appaloosa, Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club and the Pacific Coast Appaloosa Promoters. She and her horses achieved and accomplished what many only dream of. Lisa and her horses earned regional club titles, versatility and supreme championships, several registers of merit. Seven years ago, Lisa underwent cancer surgery, and she survived many years longer than her doctors ever thought possible. She passed away peacefully on March 17, 2002.

Lisa found ways to achieve her dreams, whether for herself or a worthy cause or person she believed in. Ironically, years ago Lisa sponsored a young cancer patient's Make-A-Wish request. The little girl, now a high school graduate and in remission, became honorary owner of Battle Rock.

During Lisa's years on the Cal-Western show circuit she campaigned Hall of Fame nominee, Battle Rock, to a Supreme Championship. This was only the second in Cal-Western's 38-year history and an honor no other horse has earned since 1987. Lisa and Battle Rock added Superior #29 to their remarkable show career. In recent years, Lisa had taken the 1990 Bull Nunnely son, Tote-The-Note, from the racetrack to four ROMs and had, by 1999 succeeded in earning another Cal-Western Superior award. The pair won the 1998 Reserve National Championship Non-Pro Working Hunter and the 1999 Reserve World Championship Green Hunter.

Lisa was elected to the Board of Cal-Western and served as President during 1997. Being a Non-Pro, Lisa furthered the efforts of all Non-Pros. She was the representative on the ApHC Non-Pro advisory Committee, Territory II, Zone C for three years, ending her participation in 2001. Additionally, she founded "Team No Fear" for the Non-Pros in local clubs and secured sponsorship of Non-Pro activities and classes.

It is important to acknowledge that Lisa's wit, brightness and enthusiasm spilled over into other areas of her life. Lisa's family includes husband Jim, daughter Kady, 7 and son Casey, 13. Lisa was very supportive of her children's activities. Of course she was Team Mom!

Lisa was a happy, optimistic person with a powerful "can do" spirit. Her upbeat attitude and sense of humor endeared her to those she knew. Throughout her illness Lisa continued to show, and provide support to her beloved breed by helping out at the local regional shows. Lisa's life is a testament to her devotion and dedication to the Appaloosa breed.

To honor her, the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club has now established the "Lisa Barthelemy Perpetual Award." This annual award recognizes a person displaying her characteristics of selfless promotion of the Appaloosa.

Battle Rock

Foaled in 1979, Battle Rock was sired by Old Battle, JC and his dam was Service Rock. This combination produced a colt that had a great competitive desire and heart, Battle Rock passed away on May 4, 2002, less than six weeks after his longtime owner passed away from cancer.

Battle Rock was purchased by Lisa Barthelemy and her father as a four year old off the racetrack. He accumulated two wins and a place, in four starts in his first year. His track earnings totaled $13,650.75. He produced five foals before being gelded in 1989. His 1984 filly, Jett Rockette, has also accumulated race earnings.

Battle Rock amassed a significant show career of National and World level achievements in the 20 years he was exhibited. Lisa Barthelemy campaigned Battle Rock to a Supreme Championship. This was an incredible feat by any standard, as it requires a track verified 95 speed rating, as well as all the performance criteria to exceed a Superior Champion title. This was only the second time in Cal-Western's 38 year history that this level of success had ever been achieved. In 1987, Battle rock added another Cal-Western Superior Championship to his career.

Battle Rock earned a reputation as a tough competitor on the open horse show circuit as well. He was well known at Hunter Shows at Ride America, Del Mar, and many other California Hunter and Western circuit shows. Battle Rock was in many parades, fairs and competed in the Del Mar Fair "Battle of the Breeds" on more than one occasion. He served as an ambassador for Cal-Western and ApHC every time he attended an event and entered an arena.

Battle Rock earned a Supreme Championship, Club Championship, a Versatility Championship, nine registers of merit, and world championship qualification. In addition, this talented all-around performance horse earned various National Year end top 10 placings in Western Riding, Hunter Hack, Heritage and Nez Perce Stake race. More significantly, at the 1992 World Championship show Battle Rock finished top 10 in western riding, jumping and working hunter; and also in the non-pro divisions of hunt seat equitation, working hunter and jumping.

Battle Rock is an important part of Cal-Western's legacy and should be recognized for his contribution to the Appaloosa Breed.