Brian J Flynn

Brian Joseph Flynn, age 77, of New Albany, Ohio, passed away surrounded by his family on March 8, 2025. He was born on December 8, 1947, in Boston, MA, to the late Joseph Edward and Alice Stuart Flynn. In addition to his parents, Brian is preceded in passing by his sister Kathleen Mary Flynn.

Brian graduated from St. Sebastian’s Country Day School in 1965 and Boston College in 1969, where he excelled academically and in hockey and baseball.

His true love was horses which began on the farm he grew up on in Medfield, Massachusetts. Brian was riding by age 5 and by 16, showing professionally. He went on to ride champion mounts at many of the top horse shows in the country, including Devon, the National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and The Royal Horse Show.

Brian’s accomplishments grew to include nearly every facet of the sport. He judged more than 1,000 shows across the United States and in Canada, including some of the most prestigious. Along the way, he created many friendships that he held dear. He also designed courses for and managed hundreds of shows. Closest to his heart were the St. Clements Horse Show, the Children Services Horse Show, the Arizona Circuit, and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Brian was a loyal and committed member of the equestrian sport’s governing body and many of his ideas became an intricate part of the sport today. He even shared his expertise as a commentator for nationally televised events. The sport he loved showed its love and admiration for Brian, beginning with the George Patterson Professionalism Award at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in 2012. In 2013 he was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. He received the New England Equitation Championships’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, followed by the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

Brian was an avid and loyal Boston sports fan – cheering on the Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics. Those who knew Brian describe him as a true gentleman with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He mentored and advocated for many professionals in the sport who have said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for Brian.”

Brian’s love for horses was only surpassed by his love for his family, including his wife of 38 years, Nancy; daughter, Ashley, daughter-in-law Paige, and grandson Graham..

His family will make arrangements to honor his life privately. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Danny & Ron’s Rescue, Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center or the ASPCA.