Lifelong equestrian Martha “Mardi” Eberhard Frey died unexpectedly on April 6 in Cockeysville, Md. She was 57.
Ms. Frey grew up in the Baltimore area riding whatever pony she could get her hands on, eventually showing junior hunters with Bobbie Gardner. At Lake Erie College (Ohio) she was an active equestrian and competed in their Prix de Ville all four years.
In addition to her love of horses, Ms. Frey was an accomplished musician. She studied the organ in Germany and played in many churches as a supply organist.
She earned her master’s degree in arts management from American University (D.C.), writing her thesis on the National Zoo, reasoning that it was a “museum of animals.” For many years she worked as a medical
transcriptionist at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution (Md.).
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Ms. Frey worked with horses from a variety of backgrounds. She galloped steeplechase horses in Middleburg, Va., for Paul Fout and assisted Dr. John Mayo in his equine veterinary clinic. She lent her talents to the Maryland Combined Training Association, assisting with their events and organizing their calendar.
Although progressively disabled by an autoimmune disease of inexact diagnosis as well as other medical problems, she continued to cheerfully assist with her sister’s and friends’ horses.
She is survived by her sister, Ruth Frey, Baltimore, Md., and her aunt, Lorraine Richardson.
A fence fund has been set up for the MCTA Horse Trials at Shawan Downs. Contributions may be sent to: Land Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 433, Lutherville-Timonium MD 21094-0433
