Elizabeth Jean “Betty” (Martin) Davidson, who passed away this year at the age of 104, leaves behind a remarkable legacy on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.
Betty’s love of horses began early, riding her beloved Arabian, El Ramadi, and participating in parades like the Tournament of Roses. In 1935, she proudly led the Will Rogers Parade through Los Angeles—a highlight of her youth. This lifelong passion for horses would later inspire one of her greatest contributions to the community.
In 1957, Betty co-founded the Peninsula Committee for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (PCCH) and helped create what would become the group’s signature fundraiser—the Portuguese Bend National Horse Show. For the next 68 years, Betty poured her heart into growing this three-day event into a nationally recognized charity horse show. Her tireless efforts, alongside generations of dedicated volunteers, helped raise over $23 million to support life-saving work at CHLA.
Betty’s vision and devotion to both horses and children’s health shaped a tradition that continues to thrive today. As this year’s show unfolds, we celebrate not only the riders and volunteers but also the enduring spirit of a woman whose love of community and philanthropy made an extraordinary difference.
