In Memoriam: Jeffrey Brandmaier

The Canadian equestrian community is mourning the passing of Jeffrey Gordon Brandmaier, who died peacefully after a long illness on December 7, 2024 in Guelph, Ontario. He was 65 years old.

Jeff, who was born in Teaneck, New Jersey in 1959, was married to Margaret (Muffie) Guthrie for 14 years, and was the proud and loving dad of daughter Liza Jean. The family operates Knightwood Stables in Arkell, ON and their winter base in Wellington, FL.

Jeff’s professional career included an early tenure at IBM, followed by various senior roles in financial institutions, culminating as the CIO at H&R Block. But he will be most fondly remembered for his passion for equestrian sports. A top hunter/jumper competitor, he won numerous championships at prestigious events such as the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the American Gold Cup, and on the competitive Florida circuit with the good mares Jenny, Caliana, and Retina du Vilpion. In 2022, Jeff and Muffie were crowned champion and reserve champion, respectively, of the Michael C. Sifton Memorial Amateur-Owner Working Hunter Canadian Championship at The Royal riding Nitecap and ‘Round Midnight.

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A man, woman and child standing in the ring at the Royal with two horses.

Muffie, Jeff and Liza Jean with Nitecap and ‘Round Midnight at the Royal. (Ben Radvanyi photo)

In 2010, Jeff founded the Canadian Hunter Derby Series along with his wife Muffie and friend Cawthra Burns. They lobbied show managers, rule makers and provincial federations across the country to develop and promote the fun classes which are a welcome throwback to the ‘old days’ of hunters with higher jumps for extra points and handy options. The popular series grew into a national event; in 2024, 18 derbies were held in the western conference and 25 in the eastern division, with a finale at the Royal Horse Show in November and over $1 million in prize money.

A tireless contributor to the equestrian community, Jeff was named Equestrian Canada’s Volunteer of the Year in 2021 and was included in Horse Sport Magazine’s Top 50 Most Influential People in Canada for his hunter series. He was also a hardworking and creative jump builder.

To honour Jeff’s extraordinary legacy in the equestrian world, a special Remembrance Derby will take place on a date to be determined next year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice Wellington in Guelph.