09/20/2026
From the UPHA Chapter 12:
Tonight, we pause to remember a fellow horseman and very special person, Steve Joyce, who sadly passed away earlier today.
Steve was so much more than a talented horseman. He was a gentleman, a friend, a mentor, and someone who devoted his life to the Saddlebred industry. His name became synonymous with excellence in the show ring, training countless World’s Champions throughout his remarkable career.
Steve trained his first World’s Champion in 1981, Wild Temper, while at Castle Hills. He went on to produce countless Louisville World’s Championship winners in multiple divisions, including CH Moses, SS Music Man, CH Zoraya, Sir William Robert, and CH Santana Lass, Santana’s Charm.
His contributions to the Saddlebred industry were recognized with two tremendous honors. In 2016, Steve and Julia were inducted into the UPHA Tom Moore Hall of Fame. They were also honored at Louisville with induction into the World’s Championship Horse Show Hall of Fame in 2022.
But beyond the championships, Hall of Fame honors, and ribbons was the man himself—quiet, kind, honest, patient, and deeply respected. Steve had a way of making those around him want to be better, not through loud words, but simply through his example.
This past Louisville marked 59 years of marriage for Steve and Julia. They shared their lives, their love of horses, and their passion for this industry. Their partnership touched the lives of countless people and horses along the way.
My heart goes out to Julia and their family. Steve will be deeply missed, but his influence, his friendships, and the memories he gave so many of us will live on
