

Donna King (1939 – 2021)
“My love of horses goes back as far as I can remember. I had the privilege of training under Jack Baker and began showing horses at the age of 13. At the age of 16, I began my career of riding stock horses and at 19 I turned professional.” - Donna King
Donna met Joe King shortly after he completed his distinguished service in the Marine Corps. Together, they began their journey in the equestrian world, first training under Jack Baker and later with Mack Lynn. Their shared passion for horses and training led to marriage, and they built a successful professional career, traveling the country and working on ranches in Idaho and Washington. Eventually, they settled in California, where the business they founded continues to thrive today under their daughter, Joline King-Pebley.
Donna became a carded judge with the American Horse Show Association in 1972 and over the years held cards for other organizations including NRHA, USEF, ABRA, POA and ETI. She conducted riding clinics in Hawaii and Japan - and judged metal finals in Inglewood, California; Santa Barbara Nationals; and the Bishop County Fair. In her “spare” time, she was able to experience horseback riding in such exciting places as France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa.
In recognition of their contributions to the equestrian community, Joe and Donna King were inducted into the CRHA Hall of Fame in February 2009. Following Joe's passing in 2012 and Donna in 2021, a new perpetual award was added to the Jack and Linda Baker Show in Los Angeles. The Donna and Joe King Perpetual Trophy is given to the oldest rider in the finals, in recognition of their lifetime commitment to the advancement of the sport. The award is a moving tribute to two legends of the Reining world, whose legacy continues to inspire.










