Friends and fellow walking horse exhibitors were saddened to learn of the passing of the first lady of Nevada B Ranch, Nelgene Bourne. As one of the stalwarts of the breed on the West Coast, Bourne’s ten year involvement in the show ring brought great satisfaction to her and her husband, Steven, along with the pride and pleasure they experienced as breeders of quality foals every year at their spacious showplace facilities in Lake Tahoe, Nev., and more recently in Gardnerville, Nev.

Among the horses that showed under the Nevada B banner, Twilight Generator and Bourne enjoyed several years of amateur success, always leaving a lasting impression with their impeccable presentations. Coin’s Triple Play, who is the mainstay of the Nevada B breeding program, is currently standing at Bridlewood Farm in Bell Buckle, Tenn. Bourne was on hand at the Desert Classic Show in Indio, Calif., in April to support another big favorite, General Custer, as he walked to the Four-Year-Old honors. The Indio show was Bourne’s time to shine every year as she and Steven opened their lovely desert home for catered after-show parties for their friends. They were always strong supporters of the annual Reno show as well.

Bourne’s wishes that her horses continue to be trained and shown are being honored, according to Golden West Farms trainer Scott Benham. The first Twilight Generator offspring, Twilight Zone, is a prime candidate to carry on the winning tradition.

In addition to her loving husband, Bourne is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Don Hunt of Lake Tahoe, Nev., as well as the long time and highly trusted Nevada B manager, Justino Gonzales and family. A memorial service is being planned.

Nelgene Bourne’s larger-than-life demeanor, quick wit and stylish presence, along with her total dedication to the walking horse breed, will long be remembered.