Francine Shorr Passed Away

Dressage

Canada

Canadian dressage rider Francine Shorr (née Bell) lost her brave battle against cancer in the morning of 27 May 2026. She was 54 years old.

Competing in Canada

A native from Quebec, Shorr came into the spotlight on the Canadian dressage scene competing Royal Senna (HANN, by Rubinstein x Argentinus) up to small tour level. At th'e same time she showed Guy Rivard's Royal T (OLD, by Royal Senna out of Magic Melody).

Between 2009 and 2016 four further small tour horses followed: Wodang (HANN, by Wodan), Belle Allure (HANN, by Jegor), Rave Review (OLD, 'by Rodero), and Leopold (HANN, by Londonderry). Francine competed in Canada until 2016. She competed at international small tour level in Bromont, Blainville, Ottawa, and Milton.

A Life in Loxahatchee, FL

Shorr began competing in the USA as of 2014 and had North Carolina as her new summer base.

However, in 2018 she met Robert Shorr while visiting Florida for the winter show season. After a budding romance, Robert asked Fran what it would take to get her to stay in Loxahatchee Groves with him, rather than return to North Carolina. Her answer was, “a ring and a ring,” referring to a diamond engagement ring and a dressage ring. U.S. Navy veteran Robert was the mayor of Loxahatchee between 2021 and 2022.

The Shorr couple lived at Accurate Farm on E Road in Loxahatchee. Just months after they first met a lump was detected in her breast and Francine started her first round of heavy chemotherapy. It sped up the couple's process to get married and for her to get her treatment in Florida.

"Huey"

Francine competed regularly in the national show ring at the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington. She took 13-year old Oldenburg mare Davina (by Diamond Hit x Sion) to small tour level.

Her main ride as of 2024 was the 9-year old Hanoverian Scintillating RH (by Sezuan x Florencio), bred by Nora Batchelder and owned by Marilyn Carney. Francine showed Scintillating RH, nicknamed Hueuy, regularly at small tour level as well as in her own and her horse's first Intermediaire II tests through 12 April 2026 while battling cancer which had metastasized to her liver.

She held the USDF silver medal for her achievements at fourth level and Prix St Georges. She was also a USEF R-level dressage judge.

A Great Soul Gone

Francine lost her fight three days ago. she passed surrounded by her dearest, husband Robert, her brother Chris Bell and his wife Carrie, and Nicole Forster.

A great outpouring of tributes to Shorr were posted by friends, family members and riders from the horse community. Sharon McCusker wrote, "I’m certain I will never meet a woman that had so much drive, spirit, passion and fight for life as you did . For the four years I worked and rode alongside you at your Accurate Farm you were battling cancer . You never complained, overslept , made excuses, didn’t ride because you didn’t feel well- ever! It’s beyond astonishing what you endured for 6 years battling cancer and right up to the end you worked, were full of life and spirit! You touched so many people. We will all miss you and your wonderful smile."

The Dressage New Brunswick Board posted that, "Francine was an incredible woman who battled cancer with great strength and grace until the very end. She was always a delight to have at our shows, and we were truly grateful to welcome her as a judge on many occasions over the years. Her kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the sport will be deeply missed by all who knew her."

Francine Bell Shorr Memorial Scholarship

Husband Robert posted, "Francine was an incredible person as shown by the tremendous outpouring of support and stories of selflessness, strength, courage, love, kindness and passion. I was lucky to be her husband for the past 7 1/2 years. During this short period we created a lifetime of memories. In January we will have a big celebration of her life and spread her ashes in the Ocean as she wished."

At her request the Francine Bell Shorr Memorial Scholarship will be awarded each year at the South Florida Fair. "This scholarship will help young Equestrians to further their education and give everyone a chance to honor an amazing woman every year," Robert explained. "Francine loved the cotton candy and candied apples at the Fair. The Scholarship will be funded from tax deductible donations from businesses, friends and family."