Christopher Robin Hahn

Christopher Robin Hahn, of Lumby, British Columbia, a true horseman, passed away on Saturday, August 14th, 2021 in Dauphin, Manitoba at the age of 88 years. Robin was born June 19, 1933 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Christopher Nicholas Hahn and Thelma Vida Hahn (Palmer). Robin is predeceased by his parents, his brother Raymond Lawrence Hahn, his sister Priscilla Jean Russell and his grandson, Elladan (Mig) Hahn. He is survived by his partner, Christine Kelly Law, his three children Apryl, September (aka Amber) and Jaysen, his brother Alan Palmer Hahn (Ruth), his grandsons Benjamin Reis, Dylan McHugh and Noah McHugh, and his great-granddaughters Wren and Ella, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Robin attended public school in Belle Plaine and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and continued his education at the University of Guelph, then returned home to Audobon Farms at Belle Plaine where he grain farmed for many years, always a Saskatchewan farm boy at heart. Growing up riding two miles to school from the farm in Belle Plaine, Robin’s first love was always riding. He competed internationally at show jumping and was a crowd favourite with his mount, Stack Em Upp (“Fasten your seatbelts, next in the ring, Robin Hahn and Stack Em Upp!”), although his true passion was the Three Day Event. In this sport, he became one of the pioneers, representing Canada on many occasions. In 1950, Robin and his mount Colette moved east to train and travel with Canadian eventing team. He was the alternate rider for the 1956 Olympics in Stockholm, where he was a groom and assistant trainer with Canada’s bronze medal winning team. He became the Canadian Three Day Event Champion in 1967, 1969,1971 and 1972. He and Warden placed 5 th at the 1967 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, and later he captained the gold medal team at the 1971 Pan Am Games in Colombia. Robin was a member of three more Canadian Olympic Three Day Event teams, competing at the 1968 Mexico Olympics (where he was Canada’s leading rider finishing 9th on Taffy), the 1972 Munich Olympics (on Lord Jim) and as captain of the Canadian team at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in Bromont (on L’Esprit). He also competed at the 1982 World Championships in Luhmuhlen, Germany. Robin was an accomplished equestrian earning many awards and championships, coaching national and Olympic teams, and training horses to Olympic and World Championship level. A Level III eventing/show jumping coach, he helped to create Canada’s equestrian coaching certification program, served as director and zone chairman of the National Equestrian Federation of Canada, and was an FEI and Canadian Horse Show judge. He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 in recognition of his many accomplishments in the sport. Robin continued competing until the age of 79, show jumping at Spruce Meadows with his last mount, Casey. Robin operated riding stables in Belle Plaine and Barrie, coaching many students and training horses including Branch County, who under Michel Vaillancourt, won a silver medal in show jumping at the Montreal Olympics. In 1986, Robin met Christine Kelly Law, who became his partner and in 1988 he and Kelly realized a dream of theirs and bought the equestrian farm which they called Longhouse in Lumby, BC, building an advanced level cross country course. They worked together for the next 31 years training, showing, hosting events and clinics at Longhouse.

Robin traveled the world, training and competing, teaching clinics and introducing hundreds of students to the
wonders of riding. In 2019, Robin and Kelly sold Longhouse and retired to Dauphin, MB.  Robin will be remembered not only for his equestrian achievements, but for his boundless love of all animals (except for sheep on certain days), and his extraordinary ability to understand and communicate with them. He was never without dog at his foot or lap, a horse at his side and in his later years, often a parrot on his shoulder. He was able to share his remarkable understanding of horses and equitation with thousands of riders from beginners to advanced. Those fortunate to be taught by him will always remember his calming voice, patient, positive approach and incredible knowledge of both horse and rider. And both horses and riders - or maybe just his daughters - will remember his growl and his encouraging words ‘God damn, stupid son of a bitch!’ when the occasion warranted.

In accordance with Robin’s wishes cremation will take place with a memorial to be held
at a later date.

Should friends so desire donations in Robin's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christopher Robin Hahn, please visit our floral store.