A regularly issued letter Volunteer Editor: to and about the members of Carole Nuckton The Dressage Foundation’s (Bend, Oregon) Century Club. Team #52 THE news CenturyIssue 16Club / January 2012

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

published by The Dressage Foundation 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305 Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: (402) 434-8585 Fax: (402) 436-3053 Celebrating15Yearsof reaching new goals and www.dressagefoundation.org [email protected] turning dreams into realities!

I receive calls and messages on a work – yet they aspire to something More About regular basis from riders who have more. A common theme among all The Dressage the goal to become a Century Club is that becoming a member of this Foundation... member. “If only I stay healthy... if special group was a new goal, a new only my horse is sound next year...” dream, which was realized. Lowell Boomer founded The Dressage These riders have set a In 2011 we celebrated Foundation in 1989, and new goal – they have a 15 years of honoring its Mission is “To cultivate new dream. It is never senior dressage riders and provide financial too late to accomplish and horses. It is amazing support for the advancement something big, as the to think that in 2012, we of dressage.” Simply stated, Century Club riders will reach another mile- the business of The Dressage Foundation is featured in this issue stone – our 100th mem- to raise money, manage it, show us. Several of ber! Congratulations to and give it away. them – humans and all who have brought us Through generous horses – have overcome obstacles to this point, and congratulations donations, we are able to to bring them to this point in to all of our new members – fulfill our Mission to provide their lives. Many Century Club Welcome to the Century Club! grants and scholarships to young riders, adult amateurs, riders have had some wonderful breeders, judges, instructors, accomplishments in life – with dressage clubs, and high their careers, families, volunteer performance teams. Jenny Johnson Donations to The Dressage TDF Administrative Director Foundation come in all sizes–small, medium, large, and extra-large. Each contribution is important and does make a difference! For more information To see more photos of this year’s members, on charitable gifts and or to read about teams from previous years, estate planning, contact Melissa Filipi, Development visit www.dressagefoundation.org Director, at 402-434-8585.

2 The Century Club News Issue 16 / January 2012

Team #81: Mary Grace Davidson and Adrenaline Rush

As a trainer, competitor, and Teamincluding 81 many USDF Regional judge, Mary Grace Davidson Championships. Her competitive brings with her a lifetime of career was capped on her 75th experience with horses. A birthday, when she received a native of California, Mary Grace score of 62% at Intermediare I graduated from the University on her horse, Marquis. of California at Davis back in Mary Grace planned to ride the days when it was a true Marquis for her Century Club agricultural campus, majoring in ride at Yarra Yarra Ranch in general agriculture. She had a Pleasonton, CA, on March 13, successful career as a technical 2011. Marquis was three when editor in the budding aerospace Mary Grace fell in love with program, but always kept a him, and they were a great busy side life of riding and train- team for the next 16 years. Trag- ing. Eventually, she opted for ically, just one month before working full time with horses, the Century Club ride, Marquis purchasing eight acres near the was fatally injured in a trailer budding community of Walnut accident. Mary Grace’s friend, Creek in Northern California. Valerie Case, offered a ride on Now, over 40 years later, she her Argentine Thoroughbred, and her husband, Clyde, still Adrenaline Rush, who was run their Lucky Acres as a small also 19. Mary Grace said, “He dressage training center amidst a was the right age and certainly neighborhood of upscale homes looked the part, but had never and boutique wine vineyards. ful older riders in the early days been to a dressage show. Not Mary Grace’s dressage career of dressage, Mary Grace has won one to quit, I said, ‘Let’s do it!’ ” started in the late 60s, nurtured by eight USDF Vintage Cup first Mary Grace continued, “More the opportunity to host many of awards on four horses, from grooms than I could count, friends the best clinicians, including Hilda Training Level through Grand and family jamming the ring, Gurney (who taught monthly at Prix, as well as USDF Masters little flashes from many cameras, Lucky Acres for 10 years), Melle Certificates at all levels. several bouquets of flowers, and a van Breugen, Gerhard Politz, and Mary Grace is a USEF “S” level horse that was overwhelmed with Dennis Callen. She has trained dressage judge, with over 30 years excitement. All this and I still five horses to FEI levels, is a USDF of judging experience. Still an remembered to sit up straight, bronze and silver medal holder, active judge, she has officiated keep my shoulders back, and and a long-time student of Willy at major shows throughout the remember the test. It was truly a Arts. One of the most success- United States and Canada, day to remember.”

3 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

Team #82: Barbara Cleveland and Valentales

Barbara started riding at age 9 TeamLevel classes.82 Dorothy felt that in Poulsbo, Washington. Besides Vali had the potential to do well being active in 4-H and showing in dressage with his great attitude in a variety of horse show events, and work ethic. So at age 49 Barbara started and trained two Barbara became immersed in of her own horses. While she at- the world of dressage. tended Washington State Univer- In 1991, the Cleveland’s decided sity, where she majored in Interior to return to her husband’s home Design, she trained and showed in Santa Barbara. As soon as they her Arabian stallion. arrived, Barbara began working In 1964, Barbara moved to Ha- with the local trainers. Her goal waii, where she started her career was to earn the USDF Bronze as an interior designer. Sailing and Medal, which she did in 1999. diving took the place of horses After she had ridden several 4th her first 20 years in the islands. level tests, she decided that the However, when she and her pirouettes and half passes were husband moved to the Big Island Photo credit: Jeff Lawton just too much for her senior horse. in 1986, she discovered that the Barbara has been active in the Hawaii Preparatory Academy had Santa Barbara Chapter of the a great adult riding program that California Dressage Society for included dressage. That’s where some 21 years, serving on the the dressage seed was planted in board as chapter chair, vice her heart. chair, social chair, and newsletter Barbara and her teammate, editor. Nevertheless, Barbara Vali, have a long history. Start- was overwhelmed by the warm ing in Hawaii in 1989, Vali, an and generous support that the Appendix Quarter Horse that chapter gave her and Vali for had won the Snaffle Bit Maturity their Century Ride, which took Championship as a 4 year old and place on Saturday, April 2, 2011, a Cutting Horse Championship Photo credit: Tass Jones at Santa Barbara’s Earl Warren the following year, seemed a dubi- Dorothy Maxwell, the daughter of show grounds. Hilda Gurney, ous dressage prospect. The 16.2 Lazelle Knocke (who was the first renowned trainer and Olympic hand gelding, however, was out of Century Club member) traveled to medal winner, was the judge. a great line of Parker Ranch Thor- Hawaii from New Jersey to judge a As Barbara had worked with oughbreds and by a racing AQHA dressage show and conduct a clinic Hilda 10 years before, it seemed stallion named Tell n’ Tales. Sev- on the Big Island. Barbara and Vali apropos that she judged her eral weeks after she bought Vali, ended up winning their Training Century Ride.

4 The Century Club News Issue 16 / January 2012

Team #83: Ellen Newman and Diana

In 1939, when she was Team Diana83 replaced Ellen’s nine, Ellen got a pony. Thoroughbred partner She learned to post from a of 25 years, who died ditch-digging crewmember at age 29. Ellen says alongside a gravel road that Diana is sensitive near Holland, Michi- and willing, learns more gan who called to “Quit quickly than her rider bouncing—Go up-down- and, like her predecessors, up-down!” is patient and forgiving, At age 11, she got her while keeping her rider first horse and was be- focused and alert. Ellen is friended by Margaret the sole caretaker of her McLean Lashua, who had two Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbred hunters rides every day on their and taught Ellen to ride Wisconsin farm, weather and jump. Soon, her family the Maryland Hunt Cup had been permitting. moved to East Lansing, Michigan, Ellen’s long-time ambition, it was Ellen feels deeply indebted to where she was invited to ride and out of reach because, at that time, those many horses and people show Col. Gerald Peterson’s hors- women were barred from most in the past who have been kind es at the ROTC Cavalry Unit at sports including horse racing and beyond reason—from P.T. Cheff, Michigan State University. While eventing. Master of the Battle Creek Hunt there, she showed successfully in Ellen met her husband of 60 Club, who, in the 1940s, sent hunter and jumper classes and was years at Michigan State University, Ellen gas ration stamps from his privileged to ride and show horses where, as a student, he earned his business so she could show—to for others. At 13, Ellen was given room at the cavalry stables, caring Lynne Miller, in the present, who a 13-year old steeplechase horse, for the horses there. Ellen at- coached Ellen, patiently, for the Cornels Court, who had been tended Michigan State University Century Ride, convincing her that imported from Ireland by Charlie and won the Michigan State Block a rider will not fly off if she’s not in Piece of Detroit. Cornel would and Bridle Horse Show Equitation a forward seat. Lynne also showed only run when he felt like it, and Championship in 1950. She her that there is a lot more to taught Ellen to ask, not tell. On graduated in 1953. The Newman’s halting at X than stopping. Cornel, Ellen won an invitational have three children all of whom Ellen and Diana’s ride took steeplechase over brush. With the are supportive of their mother’s place at a schooling show on May $20 in prize money, she bought a horse activities. 21, 20ll, in Custer, Wisconsin, new girth and pommel pad. At 17, In 2001, Diana was purchased where they performed Training Margaret gave her a Thoroughbred as a 9-year old off-the-track Level Test 1. They are the first colt by Coq d’Esprit. Although Thoroughbred who had just foaled. team from Wisconsin!

5 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

Team #84: Robert Mayne and Romeo

Bob, a second-generation Teamsection 84 of land in north central rancher, has been riding horses Oklahoma, where they raise and raising cattle for most of Black Angus cattle and cut his 73 years. His riding was and bale their own hay every mostly Western style (reining), summer. On their ranch they but 10 years ago, he discovered have a string of mostly Thor- dressage. He finds dressage a oughbred brood mares. When good process to train a horse these mares are bred to their for a complete performance Quarter Horse stallion, Lean and ease of gaits. Pickins, a son of Doc O Lena, He is also a published the result is Appendix Quarter cowboy poet; his small book Horses that he notes are quite with its 68 poems expresses suited for mid-level dressage. some of his many experiences In Oklahoma, Romeo has during his ranching life. Eight been to many dressage shows, years ago, he retired from his winning reserve champion in work as an elevator engineer, Introductory Level at the state which was on the construc- schooling championship a few tion (in high buildings) and years ago. Romeo thinks he the inspection sides of eleva- has to keep all their horses in tors. At that time they lived order, as well as being boss of in Sanger, California. They the cows. Bob still rides a short bought Bob’s team partner, time every day, except in the Romeo, in Fresno where they winter when the temperature found him living in a chicken can get to minus 20˚ F. Also, pen, not tall enough for him the Oklahoma show season to raise his neck or head. The takes a break during the humid owner told them that he was a summer, but that is also their

Quarter Horse, but he stands Photo credits: Lisa Jewell best haying time anyway. Bob 17.2 hands, and is built like a of his herd. Romeo often packed and Romeo’s Century Ride was Thoroughbred. Also, his inner lip them into the mountains for a day on June 25th at the Valley View is tattooed (as are Thoroughbred of trout fishing. Equestrian Center near Stillwater, race horses). When they got him Upon his retirement, Bob and making them the first Century home, he became the boss horse his wife, Katie, bought a quarter Club team from Oklahoma.

6 The Century Club News Issue 16 / January 2012

Team #85: Penelope Miller and Applause

Born Penelope Hoover Teamwere 85over until a friend, on July 10, 1931, in St. who owned Applause talked Louis, Missouri, Penny got about how much she was her first horse when she looking forward to joining was seven. With Sinbad, the Century Club in three she would grab his tail and years when she would be climb his hocks to mount, or 72 and Applause 28. Well, she would swing a leg over thought Penny, Applause his lowered neck, which he may be only 25, but I’m 79, would then raise to let her so we could do a Century slide onto his back. Later, as Ride right now! a teen she showed hunter/ So, even though she had jumper on her second horse, always ridden hunt seat Passport. and disliked riding in an Then there was a long arena, Penny embraced non-horsey period when the challenge and trained Penny went to college and, with Corey DeMala at immediately after gradu- Amity Equestrian Enter- ation, went to Europe. In prises in nearby Warwick, France she met her husband, New York, where Applause had two daughters, and the is kept. Their Century ride, family lived in Italy. Penny a Training Level test, was took up riding again and ridden in June 2011 at the loved the pleasure of riding Windy Hollow Hunt Show through the Italian country- in Sussex, New Jersey. side. While she and Applause After her husband’s death, go on occasional trail she returned to the United rides with old friends from States, settling in New York the Hunt, she now loves City where she started a horse, Apple, and later moved to dressage. Dressage provides catering business and a small bed Goshen, New York. her with a safe and healthy way and breakfast in her upper west- But when she turned seventy- for her to continue her life with side town house near the Museum five, she decided the hunt was just horses. Penny notes that dressage of Natural History. too risky and gave it up. Apple has improved her breathing, her Through friends in the Hudson became a therapy horse for posture and her coordination, so Valley, she began riding with the disabled children. she plans to continue doing it for Windy Hollow Hunt on her new Penny thought her riding days the rest of her life.

7 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

Team #86: Linda Lester and Seyvilla Baskella

As a teenager in the late 1950s, Teamfor her. They86 trail ride, have Linda began riding hunt seat at ridden in a parade, and he doesn’t Mrs. Dillon’s Full Cry Farm in even mind being dressed up in Vienna, Virginia. After a long costumes. A talented teenager break for college, marriage and with strong 18-year-old legs shows two children, the family was back him for Linda and qualified him for in Virginia where Linda took the 2011 Region 3 Championships. lessons in Glenn’s Falls and For Linda’s Century Ride, a bought her first horse, a Morgan friend offered her a 34-year-old Quarter Horse gelding named Arabian mare, Seyvilla Baskella, Sandy Man. In 1972, the family a really amazing horse. She was moved to the Panhandle shown as a 4-year-old, but then she of Florida, and as Linda was became a broodmare with the barn expecting another child, she sold name of “Mom,” as she had 19 (yes Sandy Man. Several years later, 19) foals; all of them are registered a new neighbor moved in with pure-blood Arabians. Mom also a small herd of Arabians. Linda became a therapeutic riding was hooked again and bought mount, as well as a backyard a four-year-old chestnut Arab later at Blue Angel Dressage. Her riding horse for her owner’s mare named Sassie Lassie. And next step to stay involved was grandchildren. Linda says, “She did live up to her to become a dressage Technical Linda started working with Mom name!” When the Emerald Coast Delegate. She has greatly enjoyed about three months before the Chapter of Deep South Dressage serving at shows from Houston to Century Ride, and it was quite a was formed, Linda and Sassie tried Atlanta to Gainesville and many project. Mom had not had a bit this new discipline. Unfortunately, points in between. in her mouth since she was four, Sassie never really wanted to be a About four years ago, Linda so they worked on the basics, e.g., dressage horse, so their competi- retired Sassie at 25 due to serious steering, and figures, and as typical tive history was less than stellar. joint conditions. Linda had always for the breed, Mom was a very fast When Linda finally realized hoped to perform her Century learner. that her favorite movements in Ride on Sassie, but sadly, that Linda reports: “We felt very a dressage test were “A down was not to be. privileged to perform our Century centerline, X halt, salute,” they However, she did buy another Ride for one of our favorite judges, gave up competing in favor of mount—an amazing 13'3" Conne- Bill Woods. Also a very special helping organize and secretary mara pony she named Eeyore. thank you to Ben and Linda Smith local recognized dressage shows. His only real fault is that he who allowed Mom to return to First, she worked at dressage doesn’t really have a work ethic the show ring, thereby making my shows on the Emerald Coast; (hence the name), which is fine dream come true.”

8 The Century Club News Issue 16 / January 2012

Team #87: Mary Faith Urquhart and Dominick

Mary and her Thoroughbred Teamto have 87 been able to retire gelding, Dominick (Domee), from her teaching career competed at the April Dres- in public schools into her sage Concours in Venice, hobby where she continues Florida on April 9-10, 2011 sharing her love of horses at Second Level, earning with others. For the past 13 Mary a second Century years Dominick has been her Award. (In 2005, Mary and partner in sharing that love Tajcheba McCoy were team and knowledge with the Girl # 33.) It was also Dominick’s Scouts and 4-H members that second Century Ride, as he come through her program. was part of team # 64, when In 2008, she feels they were Mary Phillips, their trainer, blessed in receiving a grant rode him. from Pinellas County to build Domee is 25 years young a new facility/home for the and spends his days helping horses and the handicapped- disabled children and adults in riding program (sponsored by the Horses and Handicapped the Kiwanis of Seminole). Her Riding Program that Mary Girl Scout/4-H club provides helps run in Seminole, Flor- the care for the program ida. He also teaches the ins horses. As volunteers in the Photo credit: Patricia M. Macfarlane and outs of basic horseman- program, they, in turn, get the ship and dressage to the 4-H opportunity to love and work students in Mary’s club. But with the horses. Even though in his spare time, he and Mary most of her time is spent like to sneak out for an occa- helping others, Mary still has sional schooling or recognized a personal goal of earning dressage show. her bronze medal. However, Having been raised on a Domee isn’t sure yet that he farm and around horses all her likes those flying changes; but life, Mary feels very fortunate they’re working on it.

Domee at the 2011 Special Olympics - County Level

9 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

Team #88: Norm Brown and Amie Phoenix+

When Norm Brown, along TeamService. 88 He currently works on with daughter, Trisha Swift, the horse farm/ business that volunteered to help rejuvenate he and his wife own, along with the Estes Park Arabian Horse daughter, Trisha, and son-in-law Show, he didn’t realize he Chase. was to become one of the star As Norm married into an attractions. While working Arabian horse-owning family, together, Trisha, an FEI he racked up plenty of hours level rider, told her dad that caring for horses and working he should perform his Cen- with them on the ground. Also, tury Club Ride at the show. It 30 years ago, he rode one of the didn’t matter that Norm had stallions in a western saddle. rarely ridden, nor had he ever However, learning to ride dres- shown in an under-saddle class sage for his Century Club Ride before, let alone perform a was like starting all over again. dressage test. In fact, Norm had Norm diligently worked at no idea how to post the trot! memorizing his test (Intro Level After initially balking at Test A). He also learned to post the idea, Norm warmed up the trot and participated in a to it, and plans were made. Ride-a-Test Clinic before his ride Unfortunately, Norm’s loves to work (and indeed, gets on July 2, 2011. On that day, chosen mount for the momentous depressed when he’s not ridden in front of a rather large crowd, ride—25-year-old Mt. View Fan- regularly) is currently used as a at 9:07 in the morning, Norm tasy—passed away unexpectedly lesson horse. performed his test at the Stanley a few months before the show. Norm grew up on a farm in Park Fairgrounds in the beautiful Trisha volunteered her 28-year-old northeastern Pennsylvania. mountains of Estes Park, Colorado. Arabian gelding, Amie Phoenix+, Workhorses were used to plant, Daughter Trisha was extremely to partner with Norm, age 79. harvest, farm, and cut ice out of proud of her father for not shying Amie Phoenix+ is a homebred the near-by pond in the winter. away from such an undertaking, Arabian, and was Trisha’s dressage While he did not have extensive and Norm has certainly proven mount for many years. He was riding experiences, he was always that it truly is never too late to twice a champion at the Arabian involved in agriculture. Norm start riding. Region 8 Championships in graduated from Penn State Uni- He has even expressed interest in Training Level dressage; he also versity and got his Masters Degree continuing riding lessons with his competed through First Level. from Colorado State University. daughter, but it will have to wait When he was 19, the gelding even His career for the most part was until he is done irrigating the hay learned to jump. Phoenix, who still with the Agricultural Extension fields and fixing the tractor.

10 The Century Club News Issue 16 / January 2012

Team #89: Marion Grady and *Edyl

Marion has been riding since Teamchildren 89 did, which she enjoyed she was 5 years old and has thoroughly. continued for 65 years! Her Amir did it all, from jump- first riding lessons were just ing to dressage, trail work, and after WWII, in Surrey, Eng- gymkhana. Marion’s daughter, land, where she got her first Jennifer, competed on Amir at pony and soon advanced to the 1990 Scottsdale Arabian more experienced mounts, show, where she won 2nd in competing successfully in an equitation class of 40. equitation, jumping, and gym- Between 2008 and 2010, kana. At 12, she was chosen to Amir suffered several serious represent her Pony Club in a setbacks, including a suspensory combined training competition. injury, colic surgery, a corneal Even though she was still 12, ulcer, and a bad fall on a the program said she was 13, concrete street. However, as that was the minimum age Amir came through it all to for the event. Photo credit: Beatrice Rosenbaum be sound again. But then in In 1953, when the family moved Later, she and Jim lived in Weston, May 2010, Marion suffered a heart to Darien, CT, Marion rode at the CT, for 10 years raising their two attack and underwent quadruple Ox Ridge Hunt Club, where V. children. During this time, she bypass surgery. Nevertheless, she Felicia Townsend took her under taught piano and English and got was back in the saddle within 6 her wing, while George Morris to ride a friend’s horse. weeks! When Marion heard about also helped her tremendously. She Tiring of the eastern winters, the Century Club and realized that schooled Jet, his niece’s Shetland the family moved to Irvine, CA, their combined ages added up pony. As nothing seemed to faze where Marion enrolled her chil- to 101, they had a new goal! her, Marion was asked to exer- dren in riding lessons, and where, However, because she had just cise many horses; in particular, to in 1986, *Edyl (aka Amir) came started her third career, her remove the high jinks before their into their lives. Amir had been all practice time was very limited. owners rode them. Riding multiple but abandoned by his owner and, With only a couple of brush-up horses proved to be an excellent while well fed, he looked extremely lessons, they did their Century experience. She continued to ride scruffy. Still, his papers showed Ride at a recognized California at the Club until she was off to that he had been imported from Dressage Society show in San Juan Vassar College to major in music. Poland by Sheila Varian, of Capistrano. Amir rose to the When she met and married Jim, Varian Arabians, and had occasion, and they scored 62% in they moved to New York City, impeccable breeding. Amir had their Introductory Level, Test C; where she got a Masters in Library lots of energy, so Marion decided Marion loved the judge’s comment: Science at Columbia University. she’d better ride him before her “Well presented!”

11 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

Team #90: Marilyn Lee Smith and Katydid

As a teenager, Lee dreamed TeamKate was90 showing no sign of of owning a horse. Some- lameness. She appeared to be times, on Saturdays, she sound again, so Lee re-started would “borrow” her mom’s her dressage training. car and sneak to a local barn In 1995, Lee and Kate went where she could ride. But she to the state of Maine All Breed had to wait until she was 34 Show, where Kate won Grand to purchase her first horse. Champion, while her year- In the 1970s, when watch- ling filly won Reserve Cham- ing her daughter in Pony pion. That same year, Lee took Club activities, Lee became Kate to a New England Dres- interested in jumping and sage Association show, where dressage. She bought a they won their class. potential dressage horse, After that, dressage showing Barry, and had good fun with had to come to an end as Lee him. But when she turned 55, she spent in a freezing trailer traveling focused on the full time care her ill got serious about dressage and to Concord, New Hampshire, husband needed until his death. began looking for a Warmblood. for emergency surgery. Because Lately, Lee has been spend- She found a 4 year-old, 16-hand, of the chance of infection, the ing winters in Florida, returning untrained Trakehner mare named veterinarian cautioned that Kate to Vermont in the summer to be Katydid (Kate), who was in foal. may not survive, and would al- with Kate. They ride the hills and Lee and Kate began their most certainly be permanently scenic mountains in the Northeast dressage career and were doing lame. Meanwhile, while Kate was Kingdom of Vermont. Lee became well, but in 1991, Kate was recovering at the clinic, Lee’s an active member of the Cata- diagnosed with Equine Protazoal 57-year-old husband suffered a mount Riding Club, where friends Myeloencephalitis (EPM). Be- massive stroke. Lee spent the encouraged her to perform a cause of weakness in Kate’s back brutally cold winter running Century Ride and presented her legs, she was laid off for an entire between the barn and the house with a monogrammed saddle year. After another year of caring for Kate, who required pad. Despite the fact that Lee and recuperation, Kate, with some many bandage changes, and her Kate had not performed a dressage more training (by Lee) was well impaired husband at home. test in over 17 years, their Century enough to compete in New After her injury, the only Ride at Long Shadow Farm, England’s dressage circuit. option for Kate seemed to be as a Morrisville, Vermont, represented But then, the day before Christ- brood mare, and she did produce both Lee’s and Kate’s overcoming mas in 1993, Kate stepped on a beautiful filly. Then, one day, seemingly insurmountable obsta- a nail and damaged her coffin when Lee was watching Kate and cles and beating the odds to make joint. That Christmas Eve was her filly trotting around, it seemed a lifelong dream come true.

12 The Century Club News Issue 16 / January 2012

Team #91: Margaret Stout and Ilion

Raised in Wisconsin, Team which91 she learned to drive. Peggy writes that she was She considers all this a a typical horse-crazy child, dream come true for an riding any and every avail- animal lover. able horse or pony. She However, the lure of reports that as a teenager, children and grandchildren she nagged her parents in Los Angeles (they were to send her to a school in so near, yet so far) became Arizona where riding was as too much, so she moved important (to her) as were back to L.A. As Robbie any of the classes or grades was getting a bit long in the received. tooth, she retired him to a College and marriage fol- peaceful life in Santa Ynez. lowed, as did five children, But then, what to do? making it impossible to con- Being in her sixties, and tinue a horse life and raise a mindful that “mature” family at the same time. But bones break, she didn’t when her youngest child was he suddenly passed away. She and want to take chances on a young finishing high school, she felt that Robbie, along with various dogs hunter. Instead, she started she finally had the time and the and cats moved to Montecito. dressage training with Jaye Cherry, money for a horse. Now it’s been There was a wonderful trail system who found her a big, chestnut 30 years ago that she bought her out from the house, allowing Peggy Dutch Warmblood named Ilion first horse and took jumping and Robbie to get to the beach in (Billy). After 13 years of dressage lessons. After that, for many a few minutes. She also learned to lessons, she feels as if she has just years, she showed a lovely gray trailer and joined the Santa Ynez scratched the surface. Thoroughbred hunter named Hunt Club. Another fun experi- Peggy is now 82, and Billy is 21. Equity (Robbie) at the Los Angeles ence was the over-night treks with As they are both healthy, they Equestrian Center. “The Sage Hens,” a ladies riding still ride four or five days a week. Her husband, Bill Stout, was a group. While in Montecito, she Peggy and Billy did their Century newsman at CBS. They were in the added to her animal menagerie Ride (Training Level Test 2) at the process of buying a weekend house a miniature donkey, a goat, a Los Angeles Equestrian Center on in Montecito, California, when Vietnamese pig, and a pony, August 27, 2011.

13 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

Team #92: Patty Smith and Westerly

Born in Los Angeles, Teamwas time92 to concentrate on Patty, a “California Girl,” college. Then came marriage has always loved horses. and children, so it wasn’t She grew up in Los Gatos; until she was in her 60s that when she was eight, her she got the horse “bug” again. mother sometimes took her Patty’s friend had a Paint to Bay Meadows to watch needing exercise, so she asked the racehorses exercise Patty to ride him regularly. at 6:00 AM. Finally, the While happily riding Paunch, family went horse shopping Patty spotted another horse, for horse-crazy Patty, then Westerly. It was love at first nine. They had very little sight. She’s a half Arab, half knowledge of what they Oldenburg, and a really pretty were doing and bought a white horse. Her owner was small, attractive, chestnut having trouble with Westerly, mustang; however, he was in that the horse would only truly mean. He would run go backwards, not forward. with teeth bared and rear Patty gave her a try. There to try to strike out at little was a dressage trainer of Patty. A lot of kindness sorts around the barn who simply could not win him gave Patty some tips. When over, so he was given away Westerly became hers, Patty to somebody who, hope- trained under Heidi Gaian fully, had better luck. whose barn was in Hollister. Her next horse experi- They got along famously. ence was as a teenager. When Westerly was 26, While hanging around the Patty’s friend, Zana Don- barn, a nice man befriended nelly urged her to go for the and encouraged her to ride. Century Ride. Patty agreed She ended up owning an and worked hard to get ready. American Saddlebred mare Friends and family were all that was five-gaited, and present when the ride was a three-gaited gelding. In performed in San Juan those days, showing was Batista, a beautiful area. Patty mostly Western, but Patty did well and Westerly performed Training with her Saddlebreds, up until it Level Test 1 on August 27, 2011.

14 The Century Club News Issue 16 / January 2012

Team #93: Kay Gale and Clear Creek Slim

Kay had a period of trail Teamthought 93 was cute and funny, riding as a teen. While she saying “he’s just so charming.” was an avid regular rider, As a member of the Kay had no formal instruc- Arkansas Dressage Society, tion; she just traveled on the Kay on Slim earned her country roads and through USDF rider performance the woods on horseback. awards at both Training and Then Kay had a long hiatus First Level. Throughout this from riding, as college, time, Slim has been an amaz- graduate studies, further ingly forgiving and reliable training, marriage, five companion. As an example of children and her career filled his calm nature, he watched all her time. a lawn chair blow past the After her youngest daugh- dressage arena during warm ter finished college and got up—flipping end over end— interested in eventing, Kay imposing ring presence, and was right next to him, without his became a horse show mom and kind of a show-off. It was clear that even blinking. a part-time groom. This was her he thought highly of himself. He Slim is 16.2 hands tall and wide first exposure to dressage. Then, would regularly lengthen his trot as an aircraft carrier, which took a week at a Wyoming ranch that down the centerline on entering some getting used to. But given included all-day trail rides, led the arena – almost as if he were his consistent performance and to Kay choosing to have riding “mugging” for the judge. Their personality, he has been well become part of her life again. partnership started at first with the worth it. Dressage seemed both interesting help of Kay’s daughter until Kay Both horse and rider have got- and challenging. Her daughter met trainer Nancy Sobba. Kay has ten older and somewhat arthritic, offered some basic instruction on continued with Nancy’s patient which has interfered with their a borrowed horse. This was enough instruction and support ever since. riding when either one or both to convince Kay that she was ready Slim is a playful horse. He chews of them were “lame.” So, for the to get her own horse, and the leather, likes to lick & nibble & past year or more, they have not search for an appropriate mount try new foods. He has accepted competed. But this year they are began. offers of French fries from a child back on track. As Slim turned 26, At age 60, Kay found Slim, who wanted to share with him. the team’s combined ages added who had been competing at 2nd He also likes lemon drops and up to 100+. They qualified for the Level in dressage. Slim knew his Gatorade. At one show he ate Century Club on September 11, way around a dressage court; hay belonging to his next stall 2011 at a schooling show at Lucky he was a “been there, done that” neighbor, thoroughly cleaning it Acres Stable in Jacksonville, AR. kind of horse. Slim had an up, which the other horse’s owners Their partnership is continuing.

15 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

Team #94: Barbara Middleton and Snowy River

Other than renting a Team suggested94 that she ride horse a few times as a her half-Arabian, Snowy teenager, Barbara had River. Snowy River had very little experience with already been on two other horses. Before her retire- Century Ride teams— ment, she was the court Team #40 when Susan’s appointed guardian and/or husband, Russell Fawcett, conservator for incapaci- rode him in 2006, and tated individuals. She also Team #50, when Susan volunteered with Special rode him in 2007. As Olympics track and field. Snowy River had turned She thought that volun- 31, and Barbara would teering for C.A.N.T.E.R be 69 in the fall, they (Cochise Area Network realized their ages added of Therapeutic Equestrian up to 100, and they could Resources), a handicapped- do a Century Ride. riding program, would be While Snowy River a good fit for her, having had participated in many worked with the handi- events over his lifetime, capped, elderly, and dis- this would be Barbara’s abled for so many years. very first dressage show. And it has been, as she She began working hard still loves her volunteer with Susan and her riding work at C.A.N.T.E.R. instructor, Ann Alden, to In May 2010, prepare for the October C.A.N.T.E.R. started up show. a new riding program On October 8th, at called Silver Saddles, Rocking J.P. Ranch in which provides riding Palaminos, Arizona, classes for people over 60. Barbara and Snowy River So, at age 68, Barbara became the 94th Century decided to learn how to Club Team. Barbara says ride a horse. Barbara’s that the show was one of friend, Susan Fawcett, the best days of her life!

16 The Century Club News Issue 16 / January 2012

Team #95: Joan Shapleigh and One in a Million

Joan has always loved Teamolder horse,95 a 23-year-old horses. As a child growing up Quarter Horse owned by in the suburbs of New York Dottie Hadler, “One in a City, she dreamed of having Million,” who was a great a horse, but her family was confidence builder. Together of modest means, so horse she and Million rode in a ownership was impossible. number of dressage shows. She did occasionally ride at Joan began to ride other a local hack stable on an horses and compete at Train- hourly basis. Without any ing Level; however, she still instruction, she simply rode rode Million every so often. the trails on a Shetland pony Both she and Million had in a Western saddle. been getting older; in fact, In her late 40s, the family Joan realized their ages added moved to a farm in Dover- Photo credit: SMG Photos up to 100. At the same time, Foxcroft, Maine, where she prom- move to a smaller home that just she saw an article in Dressage ised her six-year-old daughter, happened to be next door to a Today about the Century Club Sandy, she could have pony. By riding and training stable, Infinity and immediately decided that she coincidence, Joan saw an article Farm, owned by trainer Gail and Million should join. Everyone in her local newspaper that a Pony McCormack. When Gail had her enthusiastically agreed. Plans were Club was being formed. Although indoor arena built, she encouraged made, and the test was practiced. she had no idea what Pony Club Joan to join her adult riding group. So on October 16, 2011, at Infinity involved, she did know they would But as Joan had reached 68, and Farm in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, be getting a pony. Sandy joined it had been many years since she they rode Training Level Test the club, and in spring 1963, they had ridden, she was quite hesitant. 1, achieving a score of 66.67%. bought a sturdy red and white Nevertheless, a wonderful group of That score was the final one of a pony called Tinkerbelle. Joan rode people, who were very supportive, number of 60% or above Joan had only very occasionally, as her focus encouraged her and got her riding achieved, allowing her to qualify was on helping her daughter and on a regular basis. So, all winter for a Bronze Medal from the Maine the club. When Sandy graduated long, she rode in the indoor arena. Dressage Association. Joan thanks from high school and went off In the spring, Joan rode her first all of her friends, who over the to college, Joan stopped riding dressage test at the Farm’s “Spring years have encouraged her and completely as she was involved in Fling,” with a score in the 40s. who cheered for her and Million her career as a social worker and Over the next few years, she rode at their Century Ride. in volunteer work. a variety of horses, but a couple of Joan and Million are the first Shortly before she retired, Joan falls shook her confidence. Then, team to join the Century Club decided to leave the farm and she was given a chance to ride an from Maine.

17 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

Team #96: Marilyn Cantey and Cameo Leia

Even though Marilyn was Team ferred96 Marilyn’s husband, horse crazy from her earliest Dalton, to Orlando, Florida memories, her parents had in 1995, Camy came along. absolutely no money for Marilyn, now 60, showed horses, not even to rent one Camy in Hunters for three now and then. Every dollar years before they returned was dedicated to sending their to California. three daughters to college. When she turned 70, In 1947, thinking that the Marilyn thought it might be Los Angeles smog was getting wise to switch to dressage too bad, the family moved instead of jumping. She and to a farm in Arkansas. That Camy showed in dressage Christmas when the presents for about a year, but then were opened, there was noth- Camy developed laminitis. ing for Marilyn. But then her For some two years, Marilyn parents pointed to a picture didn’t think Camy would of a horse pasted in the make it. But thanks to her window; it was of Brownie, veterinarian, Charles an aged mare they had found Kessinger, who was generous for $25. What a thrill! Not with plenty of visits, advice knowing how to adjust the and x-rays, with her farrier, stirrups, Marilyn quickly Jim Kotecki’s careful shoe- ruined the Western saddle ing and long years of experi- that came with Brownie. ence, and with her trainer, So after that, she had to ride Dee White, who has such bareback. It was Marilyn and a good eye and supervised Brownie’s chore each evening Photo credit: Joe Pallas bringing Camy gradually to herd Baby Doll, the Jersey cow, for an “elegant grey Arab mare” back into shape, the much hoped- in for milking. named Cameo Leia. At 8 years old, for Century Ride finally took place. After a year of neither electricity Miss Camy was far too much horse Marilyn thinks she deserves a little nor water in the house, her parents for a beginning rider, but Marilyn credit, too...she wrote the checks! pulled up stakes and moved the could never part with her. It was Marilyn and Camy rode down family to Tulsa, Oklahoma. That 20 years ago that Marilyn learned the centerline on October 23, was the end of horses for Marilyn to sit Camy’s plant-your-feet-at- 2011, at the Seven Oaks Dressage for a long time. the-canter-and-jump-sideways-6 Extravaganza in Portola Valley, Then, when she was 55 and her feet spooks. CA, to become members of the boys were grown, she saw an ad When Lockheed Martin trans- Century Club.

18 The Century Club News We are so proud of all of the

CenturyCentury Club Members 1996 - 2011 Club Members! Team # year name City Horse Team # year name City Horse 1 1996 lazelle Knocke Deceased Don Perignon 49 susan Fawcett sierra Vista, AZ iron Cloud 2 Dr. Max Gahwyler Darien, CT Prinz Eugen 50 susan Fawcett ride #2 snowy River 3 Dr. John Bland Deceased bay Flint 51 2008 Chester V. Braun osprey, Fl secret Ice 4 1997 Charles A. Chapin Chatham, IL Chicaro Cocoa 52 Carole Nuckton bend, OR Zeb 5 Charles A. Chapin ride #2 Piroshka 53 annis Buell Dallas, TX Wally 6 1998 ruth Fanton Honeoye Falls, ny little Once 54 Joann Fletcher lexington, OH Vice Versa 7 Patricia Metcalf Koloa, HI Fleur de Lis 55 David Keiser Medford, or othello 8 nan Agar Rocky Hill, NJ skipper 56 shirley Jones napa, CA Dust Buster 9 1999 Charles A. Chapin ride #3 touche (Fred) 57 theresa Stephens Penrose, CO Cal 10 Jean P. Naukam Phelps, NY Chell-Win-Sahib 58 Mary Lou Harper Monroe, WA Flashee Starshine 11 2000 Charles A. Chapin ride #4 Zeus 59 Carriellen DeMuth Franktown, Co arc 12 2001 Cynthia (Cinch) Schell lander, Wy rudy Van James 60 2009 ellie Metelits Ocala, FL Justa Enuff Sun 13 Dennis Trettel Deerfield, il boulder 61 sally Chionsini Willis, TX bert 14 Peter Lert Deceased legere 62 annis Buell Ride #2 Poco Fisty’s Kid 15 elizabeth Stich Jacksonville, Fl southern Jewel 63 Martin T. Sosnoff new York, NY Montalban 16 eugene Dueber, Lt. Col. Port Orchard, WA VP Medley 64 Mary Phillips ocala, FL Dominick usMC ret. 65 barbara Ramsay los Alamos, NM Danish Manners 17 2002 edalee Harwell ramona, CA Mr. A 66 Jeremy Beale Chester Springs, PA Casual Water 18 Charles A. Chapin ride #5 beezie 67 2010 susan Maire Naples, FL Continuum 19 roxanna Jones sonoma, CA Hekla 68 lillian Floyd Wellington, Fl law and Order 20 Cynthia (Cinch) Schell ride #2 Mystique’s Baby Blue 69 norma Talburt roseburg, or lady of Fame 21 Virginia (Ginny) Wegener Canon City, CO MHR Handsome (Sam) 70 Virginia (Ginny) Wegener ride #2 rt Loki 22 Marion Benedict Sindorf Palmer, AK suavicito 71 Cynthia Dunoyer Denver, CO Casanova 23 Dr. Max Gahwyler ride #2 Dresden 72 John Claridge erie, PA Clockwork 24 edwin Sayre Los Gatos CA Pee Wee 73 barbara Larson Grants Pass, or lynx N Willy 25 2003 Maria Beek McFadden oxford, MS Permian Way 74 Carol L. Morehouse Ferndale, Wa batiste 26 Charles A. Chapin ride #6 ask Mikey 75 Jane Rutlege Monument, CO Gandalf the Grey 27 anne Barlow Ramsay Fernandina Beach, FL Fridjoff 76 Dr. Jorge Gomez okenos, Mi semik 28 evelyn Wallis Kailua, Hi somer’s Dream 77 stayner Haller lansing, Mi lGM Challanger 29 ruth Peckham Deceased Madonna 78 Josephine Rodgers Houston, TX Hershey 30 Cynthia (Cinch) Schell ride #3 leonard 79 barbara Ellis Woodford, VA Probable Cause 31 2004 Zena Ervin Reno, NV Deelite 80 susan Fawcett ride #3 Doctor Doabunch 32 Peter Klopfer Durham, NC Mondavi 81 2011 Mary Grace Davidson Walnut Creek, Ca adrenaline Rush 33 2005 Mary Faith Urquhart seminole, Fl tajcheba McCoy 82 barbara Cleveland santa Barbara, CA Valentales 34 ted Z. Plaut Madison, CT Vista Gee Whiz 83 ellen Newman omro, WI Diana 35 2006 Mary A. Towsley Durango, CO Zico 84 robert Mayne Deer Creek, OK romeo 36 audrey E. Evans Philadelphia, Pa robin Hood 85 Penelope Miller Goshen, NY MB Applause 37 2006 Carol Stratton Hartland Corners, VT Galloping Sofa 86 linda Lester Fort Walton Beach, Fl seyvilla Baskella 38 edwin Sayre Ride #2 Carmel 87 Mary Faith Urquhart ride #2 Dominick 39 russell Fawcett Deceased iron Cloud 88 norm Brown Wellington,Co amie Phoenix + 40 russell Fawcett Deceased snowy River 89 Marion Grady irvine, CA *Edyl (aka Amir) 41 Carey Evans Portland, or enjoy 90 Marilyn Lee Smith n. Concord, VT Katydid 42 lothar H. Pinkers bellevue, WA Get’s Spellbinder 91 Margaret Stout los Angeles, Ca ilion 43 William H. Van Cleve Jacksonville AR VC IBN Zypress 92 Patty Smith San Jose, CA Westerly 44 2007 Mary Dure Johnson akron, OH Chelsea Love 93 Kay Gale Roland, AR Clear Creek Slim 45 lila (Winni) Heiney-Duncan Malin, or trail Bender 94 barbara Middleton bisbee, AZ snowy River 46 Dawn Ruthven Victoria BC, Canada Wisla 95 Joan Shapleigh Dover-Foxcroft, Me one in a Million 47 rebecca Snell boerne, TX atraysa Santi 96 Marilyn Cantey santa Cruz, CA Cameo Leia 48 Carol F. Judge Houston, TX Gaby

19 Issue 16 / January 2012 The Century Club News

CenturyApplication Club Name: Street Address: City: State Zip Phone number: Email address: Date of birth: Are you a member of a Dressage Club? If so, please list the Organization/s: 1)

2)

The Century Club Are you presently competing? recognizes dressage riders If so, at what level? and horses whose combined ages total 100 years or more. Horse name: Horse and rider perform a dressage test of any Level, Date of birth: at a dressage show or event, (A horse attains another year of age on each January first following its foaling date.) and are scored by a dressage judge or professional. Breed: Highest Level Shown: Mail this application BEFORE your ride to: Where do you plan to ride for your Century Club Membership? The Dressage Foundation 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305 When? Lincoln, NE 68508 Who is your primary contact person? Phone: (402) 434-8585 Fax: (402) 436-3053 Email: www.dressagefoundation.org The Dressage Foundation may wish to send out a press release in your [email protected] area. What is the name of your local newspaper?

20