Madeline Axelsson, assistant trainer at Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek, Ill., died after being struck by a car on Oct. 24. She was 39.
Originally from Sweden, Ms. Axelsson joined the Tempel Lipizzan staff in 2005.
Tempel Farms’ Program Director Courtney Trip said, “Axelsson was vibrant, fun to be around and liked by everyone at Tempel Farms…we are all just in shock.”
Ms. Axelsson studied at the National Stud, Flyinge in Sweden, completing the stable manager course. She also received an elite scholarship to study an additional year.
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Working as a trainer or instructor in Bermuda, Norway and Spain, Ms. Axelsson also competed during that time through the Fédération Equestre Internationale levels. In 1999, she studied for 11⁄2 years in Germany at Fleyenhof with Olympic rider Hubertus Schmidt.
Ms. Axelsson relocated to the United States in 2002 and won numerous local awards as well as national all-breed awards.
Memorial donations may be made to the Axelsson family, through Tempel Farm, to assist in the care of Ms. Axelsson’s horse, Kalmino, and his transport back to Sweden. Tempel Farm, 17000 Wadsworth Rd., Wadsworth, IL 60083.