Margaret “Margie” Hough-Sabbatini, renowned horse show judge and business owner, died of a heart attack June 30 in Wellington, Fla. She was 63.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., Mrs. Hough-Sabbatini was first drawn to horses through her parents’ involvement in local county fairs. She began riding and competing show hunters at age 7 and never looked back.

Mrs. Hough-Sabbatini became a professional horsewoman in the 1970s. She relocated to Florida where she worked with race horses before establishing her own hunter/jumper business, Fields And Fences, outside of Chicago, Ill.

With her husband Tomasso, Mrs. Hough-Sabbatini owned and ran Regal Crowne, a popular horse show vendor and producer of custom riding helmets and apparel.

Mrs. Hough-Sabbatini was best known, however, as a U.S. Equestrian Federation R-rated judge. For more than 30 years, she judged nearly all the major horse shows around the United States, earning a reputation as a respected and fair judge.

Mrs. Hough-Sabbatini was recognized in the horse community by her warm wishes and ever-present smile. She was the type of person to go out of her way to help anyone, and she never met a stranger. At the USEF Medal Finals in Harrisburg (Pa.), young exhibitors delighted in the roses she handed out as they finished their round and exited the ring.

Along with her equestrian endeavors, Mrs. Hough-Sabbatini was an avid crossword puzzler. She loved all animals and enjoyed showing Old English mastiffs and Norfolk terriers.

Mrs. Hough-Sabbatini is survived by her husband and son, Peter Hough. A memorial fund is currently being established. To contribute immediately, please send a check to Friends of Tomasso Sabbatini at Boggs Hill Farm, 1661 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.