Bruce Walquist

Bruce Walquist, a beloved member of the horse industry and a coach to many young athletes, passed away on May 6th,  at the age of 68. Bruce was born on October 15, 1954 in Topeka, Kansas to Harvey and Roberta Walquist. He grew up in a loving family with his brother Wayne Walquist.

Bruce was a graduate of Lyndon High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Psychology from Emporia State University. He had a passion for horses from a young age and got involved in 4H and saddle clubs around Lyndon, KS. In 1979, he started training horses for the public and went on to achieve incredible success in the horse industry.

Bruce was an accomplished horse trainer and had a long list of accomplishments to his name, including multiple AQHA World and Congress Champion titles, numerous PHBA World titles, and numerous NSBA futurity wins. He coached and trained multiple AQHYA, AQHA & APHA Amateur World, Congress & Honor Roll Champions in a large range of events including longe line, halter, western pleasure, and all-around events. He earned a spot on the NSBA Top 20 Lifetime earnings list in Open Yearling Longe Line and held a Judge's card with AQHA, NSBA, and WCHA.

In addition to his success in the horse industry, Bruce was an avid sports fan, especially of KU basketball. He coached boys high school basketball and baseball at Joshua Christian Academy for 7 years and played college baseball. He also enjoyed playing golf and serving the Lord at Joshua Baptist Church.

Bruce married Cindy on April 26, 1980, and they had a daughter named Whitney in 1988. Bruce had a heart bigger than Texas and was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He had a gift for bringing out the best in his students and was loved by many for his kind and generous spirit.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Wayne. He is survived by his wife Cindy, daughter Whitney, son-in-law Craig Vicars, nieces Amy Eichem, Carrie Walquist-Shaffer, and Megan Walquist-Kilgore and their families, as well as countless close friends and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held to celebrate Bruce's life. Bruce’s love for the Lord showed through in his kind spirit and care for others everywhere he went. We know that he is riding on streets of gold with those who have gone on before him. His legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the horses he trained. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.