In Memory of Anna Bays

We are often asked, "Who is Anna Bays" and "Why is our NMAWHC show named after her?"

A kind, small woman, Anna Bays, had a massive heart for those in the horse community. Her warmth was larger than life!

Anna’s work in Michigan goes beyond Traverse City. She was one of the founding members of the Michigan Quarter Horse Association.

Anna supported local shows; she was a backer of the Twilight show series; she helped to pay for the sprinkler system at the fairgrounds; and so much more.

Anna was always willing to do the right thing, and her ethics were beyond reproach. She believed that every person interested in horses had great potential, and she was willing to help them achieve their dreams whether they were beginners or experienced.

At the young age of 93, Anna lost her life in a house fire. Her memory will live on in the hearts of many, and she’ll be admired for years to come. She died doing what she loved: caring for her horses and for those in the horse community.

I remember a shirt she used to wear in her 90’s: "Still feeling my oats!" I hope we can all say that at 90! Until then, let’s appreciate each other for the gifts we can share, continue to support our youth, and work towards keeping our ethics of competition fair for all. Thanks to Anna Bays for touching the lives of many and being there for all of us!

~ Mike Zerbe

Anna Bays ~ A very petite woman with a huge heart!

For three and one half years I boarded with Anna at Bays Windy Hill Farm. Anna Bays was an incredible horse woman and business woman, but she also was incredible with people and especially children. She was so good to my three children and me as well as taking wonderful care of my horses. I learned so much from her as I was just beginning. She had a lot of knowledge to share.

I purchased the last foal out of her old mare "Moose". Jerry and Tom Robertson had shown that mare when Moose was younger and they were just beginning their great careers with horses. The great part about that purchase was that Jerry had shown Moose in his first English class ever but had not shown English in many years since that time.. He ended up training and showing my gelding CR Synchronicity (Sizer) at the Michigan Breeders Futurity in Detroit, Michigan.. (Sizer was by Gary Gleason's stud Inquincible). He rode him in Hunt seat and received a 6th place!! My family and I sat with Anna at the Futurity and I will never forget how excited we all were watching Jerry ride that day. I shared many wonderful moments with her and have always cherished my time with her. She was in her 80's at that time and I asked her how she stayed so young! She said "Well, I feel the same way inside as I did when I was much younger.....until I pass a mirror and wonder who that old lady is.. So I took all the mirrors down in my house!!!!" What an inspiration she was! She is greatly missed.

Lynn Turner

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