Robert J. Churton

Robert J. Churton (a.k.a Bob or Bobby), 73, of Pine Plains, passed away on March 29, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. He was born on April 10, 1951. The son of Robert and Susanna (Farley) Churton. Robert was a very well-known and successful horse trainer and the owner of the Windy View Farm in Pine Plains where he enjoyed horse farming, and showing Arabian horses. Robert started his storied career as a horse groom working with legendary trainers, sharpening and honing his craft. It was said that -“Bob could take the most mediocre horse; give it a little TLC, and really make it shine…turning it into a champion.” Robert found great success within the horse community, winning at the national and regional levels - Also finding success dealing with celebrities and the who’s who of the Arabian horse world. Robert was well known and respected for his gentle hand approach to training horses, living all aspects of his life in a light hearted manner never taking himself too serious.

Robert was also a skilled carpenter, but wasn’t all work and no play. He enjoyed the game of golf, becoming proficient enough to receive his PGA card and winning many local tournaments. He was a believer that life could certainly be hard work, but it’s meant to be fun also, and the game of golf was one of his passions for fun. Saying -“ I think we did enough for the day, what do you say we leave these desert donkeys alone and we go play some golf.”

Robert has three children - he approached parenthood like he approached training horses and golf, with a gentle hand and a lot of laughter. Robert was well liked and loved by his friends and family. Some saying that -“ If the end of the world was happening Bobby was the guy you wanted there with you, he could fix just about anything, and make you laugh while doing it.”

Robert is survived by his two sons, his daughter and their families; Vincent Churton (sons Dominic and Collin), Casey Churton (wife Michelle, daughters Emalyn and Anabel), Brittney (Churton) Mackenty (husband Bryan, daughter River). In addition, he leaves behind his younger brother Mark Churton and his good friend and cousin Dr. Michael W Churton. Robert is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and countless close family friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert N. Churton and Susanna M. Churton, his brothers Farley Fredrick Churton and Steven Allen Churton, as well as his nephew Issac Churton.

At the families request, services will be private, and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be sent to: The Horseman’s Distress Fund, 236 Henry Sanford Rd., Bridgewater, CT 06752