SARATOGA SPRINGS – Christine (Black) Swartzbaugh passed away at age 63 in Saratoga Hospital following a courageous battle with MS. Born May 1952 in Schenectady, she was the third child of Chauncey “Al” Black and Phyllis Black. The family moved to the Glenville area in 1958 where Christine attended school, graduating Burnt Hills Ballston Lake HS in 1970. During that time she was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Schenectady.
Christine received her Associate Degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1971 and then left school to pursue her passion for horseback riding. She attended the world famous Porlock Vale Riding School in Exmoor, England, earning her Associate Instructor certificate from the British Horse Society. She married Alan Swartzbaugh of York, PA and their son Jason was born in 1976. In 1980 Christine returned to the Schenectady area where she trained horses and taught dressage at various stables, eventually residing in Greenfield Center at Blue Moon Acres with her lifelong friend Lisa Giordano. Horsewoman and instructor extraordinaire, she dedicated her life to horses. Chris taught with purity true to the classical dressage method. She exemplified discipline and taught her students to become better riders for their equine partners. With the welfare of the horse in mind, Chris made her students strive to become better human beings. She will continue to live on, helping horses through the students she generously graced with her wisdom.
Christine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 40. Progression of the disease eventually forced her from the saddle to the wheelchair, where she continued to teach into her mid-50s. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts (with Honors) and pursued her lifelong interests in painting and writing. During Christine’s final months, Saratoga Hospital became her new home and the staff became her extended family. The care and love she received at the Hospital was beyond measure. She died peacefully on December 9, 2015.
Christine is survived by her two brothers, Philip and Stephen Black, her former husband Alan Swartzbaugh, her son Jason and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and older brother Kenneth. Calling hours will be held today, Friday, December 18 at Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Ave. in Saratoga Springs from 5 to 7 p.m. including a memorial service at 6 p.m. Following the service, friends and relatives are invited to a buffet reception at the home of Jim and Cindy Black Oplinger located at 3 Campion Lane in Saratoga Springs.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online condolences may be left at TunisonFuneralHome.com
