LADY GEORGIA PELHAM (7 June 1942-25 April 2026)
It was with great sorrow that we heard the sad news of the passing of Lady Georgina Pelham, WAHO Executive Committee Member Emeritus, and a renowned breeder of superlative Arabians since the 1960s at her famous Haras La Catalina in Argentina. Gina was always a strong supporter of WAHO ever since she joined in 1980, and served as a valued WAHO Executive Committee Member from 2013 to 2022.
Many of you will have met Gina as she attended numerous WAHO Conferences over the years, either representing Argentina as a Delegate or as a WAHO EC Member. She truly was one of the kindest, most generous and gracious ladies one could hope to meet and work with, with a huge breadth and depth of knowledge about the Arabian horse. The welfare of her horses was of the utmost importance to her, and at La Catalina the mares had hundreds of hectares of rich pasture where they lived all year round, being raised in natural conditions that reflected her respect for the animals she loved so deeply. Her legacy will live on in many countries through the descendants of the horses she bred.
We feel sure you will join the WAHO Executive Committee in sending the most sincere condolences to Gina’s children and grandchildren in Argentina, and to the English side of her family here in UK. A true lady in every sense of the word, we will all miss her gentle and inspiring presence, and remember her with the fondest memories. May she rest in peace.
There have been many messages of condolence on social media, including this one:
It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Lady Georgina Pelham, a legendary breeder who dedicated over 50 years to the Arabian horse as the founder of Haras La Catalina and a distinguished member of the WAHO Executive Committee. A visionary leader and mentor, her tireless commitment to the breed across Argentina and the world leaves an indelible legacy of excellence and passion.
And from the Asociación Argentina de Criadores de Caballos Arabes (translated from Spanish) a most heartfelt remembrance:
The Argentine Association of Arabian Horse Breeders deeply regrets the passing of Lady Gina Pelham. Gina was much more than a renowned breeder and a leading figure in the Arabian horse community; she was a deeply loved, generous, and radiant person who offered affection, support, and guidance to all who were fortunate enough to know her. From Haras La Catalina, she passionately fostered the growth of the breed, supporting countless breeders and instilling a love for this activity at every step of her journey. Her warmth, nobility, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on Argentina and the world. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time, and offer a prayer for the repose of her soul.
