Horseman Jordan L. Myers, 56, passed away on November 6 at Saratoga Hospital where he had been a patient for two days.
Born June 22, 1958, in Hudson, NY, Myers was the son of Betty and Len Powell of Saratoga Springs, NY and Marvin L. Myers of LaValle, MD.
He grew up on his maternal grandparents’ farm in Chatham, NY and was surrounded by horses of various breeds and sizes his entire life. His grandfather raced Standardbreds and the family was active in horse shows, gymkhanas, and parades as well as racing. When Myers wasn't at the track he was usually riding his Quarter Horse, Woboy Roper, who he showed successfully throughout New York and New England.
Myers’ love of all things equine was nurtured by his grandfather and his mom and he rode many miles in a jog cart with them at the Chatham Fairgrounds before he could walk.
He graduated from Chatham High School in 1976 where he was often on the honour roll and played football until it got in the way of his horses. Following graduation, he focused on becoming a harness trainer/driver and used his college fund to purchase a couple of Standardbreds to race. He displayed the patience, dedication and personality to follow his dream in becoming a successful horseman and raced throughout New York, New England, Florida and the famous Red Mile in Lexington, KY.
For several years the home base was Saratoga Harness in the warm weather and then he and his wife, Kim, followed the sun to Pompano Park in Pompano Beach, Florida where they lived and raced their stable during the winter months. Upon returning to Saratoga full time in 2001, Jordan and Kim purchased property and built a farm where they enjoyed boarding and raising both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds while continuing to maintain a racing stable at the harness track. Following Jordan’s first stroke in 2006, the farm was sold, but they continued to maintain a smaller stable at the track and reside in Saratoga Springs.
Jordan was a long standing member of the United States Trotting Association, the Harness Horse Breeders of NYS, the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association and various other Horsemen's Associations over the years.
Jordan is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Kim (and their English Setter dogs), his beloved son, Jared L. Myers of Oneonta, NY, stepbrothers, Lee (Jennifer) Powell of Nassau, NY, and Michael (Lisa) Powell of Steamboat Springs, CO. Nieces and nephews Emily, Andrew, Isabel and Hudson and his parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by a host of friends and all will miss his presence and the fun, the stories and the good times they enjoyed.
For those who wish to honour Jordan's memory, please consider donating to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 353 Sweetman Lane, Suite 101, Millstone Township, NJ 08535. Online remembrances can be made to adoptahorse.org.
At Jordan's request, he was cremated and there will be no calling hours or funeral service. At the convenience of the family, a memorial service and a celebration of his life will be held and all will be welcome. Arrangements are being handled by William J. Burke & Sons, Bussing & Cunniff, Inc., 628 No. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jordan Myers.
(USTA)