Barbara Hay

Barbara Hay, age 71 years, of East Amwell Township, NJ, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was born in Jersey City, NJ, on December 30, 1951, the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Hamilton Staump, she had formerly resided in Scotch Plains, NJ. She was a horse trainer by trade, but that doesn’t adequately define her profession. She was part horse whisperer, part human psychologist, part veterinarian, and part cheerleader. She touched the lives of numerous students through both her involvement in the United States Pony Club, where she was a chief horse management judge and national examiner, and as the owner of Rainbow Ridge Equestrian Center, in Flemington, NJ.

She is pre-deceased by her former husband, James Hay, who passed in 2012. Surviving are her two children, Bridget Hay of Flemington, NJ, and Ryan Hay of Flemington, NJ; four grandchildren, Ryder Hay, Audrey Hay, Amelia Hay, and Julianna Hay; one sister, Susan Gaukin of Flemington, NJ, and five nieces and nephews. She reveled in her role as Grandma and her passion for her family was always evident.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM in the St. Alphonsus Church, 54 East Prospect Street, Hopewell, NJ, under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the United States Pony Club, 4041 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.