Bill Recio, Notable Horseman, Dies at 78

[Wandering Eyes]

Bill Recio, a respected and accomplished horseman, passed away on Feb. 10 following a brief illness. He was 78 years old.

Born in Miami, Florida, Bill was introduced to thoroughbred racing at an early age by his uncle, an owner-trainer. From the moment he experienced the beauty of the horse and the electricity of the racetrack, he knew his life's path would be in the horse business. The quote, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man,” could not have been more true for Bill. Horses were not simply his livelihood – they were his calling.

Bill began his career at the racetrack as a hot walker, learning the business from the ground up. Through hard work, determination, and a natural gift with horses, he earned his first major opportunity as an assistant to the late great Arnold Winick. Traveling across the country for prominent owners, Bill built a reputation for horsemanship rooted in patience, instinct, and integrity.

After marrying the love of his life, Lynn, they decided that putting down roots would better suit their growing family. Bill accepted the position of farm manager and trainer at Marablue Farm. Though he would later return to training at the track, Bill and Lynn fell in love with Ocala and its ideal environment for developing young horses. They eventually made Ocala their permanent home and founded Lynwood Stable, where Bill dedicated himself to pre-training, rehabilitation, and guiding thoroughbreds both young and seasoned.

Teaching young horses their early lessons was one of Bill's greatest joys. He treated every horse as an individual, believing that each one would tell you what it needed–if you were willing to listen. His quiet intuition and steady patience allowed countless horses to thrive under his care.

Throughout his career, Bill had the honor of contributing to the development of exceptional racehorses, including Songbird, Omaha Beach, Honor Code, Unbridled Belle, Fleet Indian, Battle of Midway, Oleksandra, Funtastic, Gift Box, Leofric and Guarana. Yet to Bill, every horse was his student, and he valued them all equally.

The people who worked alongside him were also his students. Though he could be tough, he invested deeply in mentoring young riders and horsemen, shaping not just better professionals but better people. Bill had a way of sharing his convictions and guiding others to see his perspective, often saying simply, “right or wrong,” as he encouraged them to understand, trust, and learn from his approach.

Later in life, Bill and Lynn–his partner of 60 years–were able to travel the world together, visiting racetracks and stables across continents. He often said, “The bond between humans and horses is universal–the common denominator. No matter what language you speak or your socioeconomic status, the love of the horse, that is the bond.” It was a belief he lived every day.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lynn; his daughter, Katie Cauthen (Recio) and son-in-law, Chief Stipe Cauthen; his son Gene Recio. He was preceded in death by his son, Mike Recio. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Campbell (Chief Stipe and Katie) and Addison and Wesley (Mike).

Bill Recio's legacy lives on in the countless horses he guided, the horsemen he mentored, and the family he cherished. His life was a testament to hard work, quiet wisdom, and an enduring love for the horse

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