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 18Club / January 2014 The Dressage Foundation Honoring the Past – Investing in the Future Donors to The Dressage Foundation have enabled riders, instructors, trainers, breeders, and judges to continue their dressage education, creating a stronger dressage community in the United States. Honoring the Past Enjoying the Present Looking to the Future Since its inception, The Dressage Through the generosity of our We invite you to join our donor Foundation has been led by donors, we are able to award family, so you can carry on visionaries of our sport. From approximately $200,000 in grants the vision of our Founders, to the original Founders and Board each year. Help is available for help preserve and enhance our Members, to those who have young riders, adult amateurs, sport for many years to come. followed in their footsteps to guide instructors, judges, breeders, Visit www.dressagefoundation.org the Foundation, we are thankful for High Performance teams, and or call 402-434-8585. their vision, ideals, and influence. organizations.
Celebrating 25 Years 1989 2014 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
A Note from the Editor, Carole Nuckton When my 27 year-old Arabian, Zeb, CenturyThank Club Friends!you and I, at 73, did our Century Ride, we were Team #52. I wrote our bio and What a year! also a way in edited the bios of the other riders in the I continue to be which you have second half of 2008. amazed at the inspired the I also helped growth of our next generation. put together little club. Do I hope that a little book- you know why you will encour- let called the we’ve had so age your friends Centurion. many new mem- to join us in the The follow- bers in recent future. In the ing year, I years? Because meantime, enjoy was asked you are inspiring meeting the to edit the other seniors to continue riding! newest members from 2013. We bios and said, So often I hear riders say that are proud to welcome these 33 “Okay,” as I they are counting down the years Teams to the Century Club! love editing and enjoy talking with the until they can do Century Club riders, whenever I have questions about rides of their own. As much as their bios. Thus, I have just kept on your ride was about honoring editing as the years pass. In 2010, The you and your teammate, it was Jenny Johnson Centurion was replaced by a full-fledged Executive Director professionally prepared magazine, The Century Club News, first published in January 201l. Meanwhile, the popularity The Century Club News is published by of the Century Club gradually grew. The Dressage Foundation In 2008, there were 9 rides; 2009, only 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305 / Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: (402) 434-8585 / Fax: (402) 436-3053 7; 2010, 14; 2011, 16; 2012, 29; and Email: [email protected] / www.dressagefoundation.org 2013, 33. To put it another way, since our ride 2014 Board of Directors as Team #52, I have edited up to team Ralph Dreitzler (WA), Chairman #158, e.g., 106 bios. And it’s even been Michael Poulin (FL), Vice Chairman fun! Jenny at The Dressage Foundation Judith Noone (MA), Treasurer Eliza Sydnor Romm (NC), Secretary is terrific to work with. Beth Baumert (CT), President and CEO My daughter, Jenny Nuckton, has just Maryal Barnett (MI), Vice President purchased a horse, a Friesian-Mustang Vivien Bobo (MA) Carol Lavell (NC, FL) cross that she will be able to take up the Barbara Cadwell (FL) Michael Matson (MD) levels. However, her new horse will be Joseph Carr (KY) Hilary Moore Hebert (MD) 8 on Valentine’s Day. And she won’t Lendon Gray (NY) Karin Reid Offield (MI) Hilda Gurney (CA) John Boomer (NE), Emeritus even turn 50 until 2015, so I doubt that Jonathan Burton (AZ), Emeritus I will be doing her bio!
2 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #126: Joan Sussman and Siglavy Adria
Joan reports: Teamsomething special126 – a horse! One day when I was 9 years old, I made several mistakes during my mother came home and an- the next few years, mostly buying nounced that she had found a horses that preferred to jump, but nice lady who had a farm and gave I did get back into taking dressage riding lessons. It was Sunnyfield lessons. Finally with the help of Lisa Farm in Bedford, NY, where Mrs. Giltner, owner of Willingham Dres- McIntosh gave my sister and me sage, I bought Aircraft, a Swedish years of riding instruction, while Warmblood gelding that knew also providing us with our mounts. a lot more about dressage than I Later she formed a Pony Club to did. Starting at Training Level and keep us busy. During my teenage working diligently, we made our years I was always at the barn. The way to Third Level and earned a worst punishment my parents could Bronze Medal last year. Now I hope ever give was to keep us from going the years ahead will allow us to earn to the barn. would never feel ready without my a Silver Medal. At the end of each day in the hat and gloves!) I was interested in doing the summer, we would help turn the So I did a lot of riding, but never Century Ride, but Aircraft was horses out and as soon as we were had a horse of my own. I dreamed only 17. However, Lisa’s friend, out of sight, we would hop on and that someday I would find one wan- Jill Hardt, owner of Tristan Oaks gallop to the field. As Pony Club- dering down the road. This never Dressage, offered to loan me her 32- bers we needed to have mounts happened, but I did catch one on year old Lippizaner, Siglavy Adria. that would do dressage, go cross- a golf course. He was mine for a (In his prime, he and Jill earned country, and jump. Sunnyfield’s couple of minutes—until his owner their PSG Silver Medal.) On March Quarter Horses and Lippizans were caught up and took possession. 30th, Adrian and I did our Training amazing and did whatever they I rode during college because I Level Century Ride at the Orlando were asked. Our jumping lessons applied to colleges that had horses, Dressage Heidelberg Cup. It was a were provided by George Morris though I don’t think my parents great day and Adrian enjoyed the and Victor Hugo-Vidal. For dres- were aware of this. After graduation attention he so deserves. Students sage, we rode with Richard Watjen, and marriage, I had no more oppor- who had learned to ride on him, his who had been hired to coach Karen tunities to ride for at least 35 years. farrier, and many other friends were McIntosh for the Olympics. One day a friend called me and said there to cheer us on. We rode in Pony Club rallies and she had a rescue horse that she was Riding horses has been my great- competed locally for years. While I sending to me and it would arrive est challenge and my greatest did earn my B Pony Club rating, my on Monday! That got me back into pleasure. It has allowed me to me comfort zone was on the flat. One the saddle, though I soon needed to make wonderful friends, travel to annoying thing for us teenagers was more of a challenge. For my 60th interesting places, and to challenge that Mr. Watjen would always insist birthday, my husband asked me if myself in ways that I never would that we come to our lessons dressed I wanted something special, like a have done. I intend to continue as in hat, jacket and gloves. (Today, I piece of jewelry. I said yes, I wanted long as possible.
3 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #127: Sy Budofsky and Romeo’s Krystal Bay
Sy has always Team 127carving, golf, had an interest and learning in horses—at to play the first, it was piano—the cowboy stuff. activity he Growing up in still likes the the Bronx, New best is riding. York, he never Now that had much of an he no longer opportunity to jumps, he’s ride. However, become inter- his uncle was a ested in dres- produce street sage as quite vendor, who an interesting used a horse- challenge. drawn wagon. When he Sy was lucky heard about that his uncle the Century would come by regularly to pick where he continued to ride. His Ride, he leased a 16- year-old Ara- him up and let him handle the family, being worried about his bian, Romeo’s Krystal Bay, who reins as they stopped frequently jumping, convinced him to get a had been the Regional Reserve along their route to make sales. Sy Quarter Horse and become a Champion (but, Sy’s not sure for received payment for his work in flatlander. During this early what discipline). the form of produce for his family. retirement period, he and his As the team had been featured Later, Sy attended City College wife traveled extensively though in the local newspaper, there was New York, became an engineer, Europe, Asia, and Africa. quite an audience when they and lived for 32 years on Long When the kids were adults and did their Century Ride on April Island with his wife and their had children of their own, Sy and 6th—a Training Level test in three children. He took riding his wife moved to Palm Beach Palm Beach. lessons and enjoyed trail riding, Gardens, Florida, where they have You’ve got to realize how horsey and especially, jumping. lived for the past 24 years. Sy really is when you note that When he retired, the family Among Sy’s many interests his email address starts with moved to Burlington, Vermont, and hobbies—painting, wood “equestplay.”
4 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #128: Elizabeth (Liz) Hotchkiss and Oliver
Although Liz didn’t have Teamhorse along128 as she “snow-bird- a horse when she was grow- ed” to Florida each winter. ing up, she did love riding in When in Florida, she be- Manhattan’s Central Park. gan looking for a good dres- In 1966, Liz, her husband, sage horse, found and bought and their two daughters Oliver. He was an 8-year-old moved to Amagansett, Long Danish Warmblood trained Island, where they started a through Second Level, and boarding and lesson stable. had been imported from At that time, her main inter- Denmark. Liz brought Oliver ests were combined training home to Missouri. However and jumping. But after spend- every winter, she took him to ing 10 days at the Saratoga Wellington, Florida, where he Dressage Institute, she was continued his training. She strongly hooked on dressage. describes Oliver as loving In 1989, Liz and her hus- people, being wonderful to band turned the Long Island work with (though definitely farm over to one of their an extrovert) and was certainly daughters and moved to an excellent investment. Columbia, Missouri, bringing Although Oliver hadn’t five horses with them. There been shown for six years, he they opened a boarding barn, was a shining star as they did which is still in operation. their Century Ride, performing After her husband died, Fourth Level Test 2. Liz says Liz visited the daughter “The Century ride was so much who winters in Wellington, fun—though probably more Florida. Liz had such a good fun for me than for Oliver!” time, she decided to take a
5 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #129: Carol Angle and Tigger
Twenty years ago, when Team of R129obin Wood of Earlysville, Carol Angle, then 65, took VA. Lani designed a highly up riding at North Hills in successful mounting platform Omaha, Nebraska, under to get Carol in and out of the tutelage of Jan Mactier the saddle and magnetic Moriarty, it was the first stirrups were found to com- time she had been on a pensate for the sensory loss horse since elementary in her feet. school. Through Jan she Tigger’s progress had even bought Zoe, a Warmblood/ more interruptions. When Thoroughbred cross, and his cheerful disposition the pair worked on jumping faltered, ulcers were found and outings with the North to be at fault, with multiple Hills Hunt. endoscopies along the way. As an academic pediatri- Conjunctivitis turned out cian and former department to be a resistant fungal infec- chair at the University of tion requiring enucleation Nebraska Medical Center, of the left eye. Colic and its Carol was too busy for much surgical repair were respon- riding until she retired in sible for another six months 2000 and moved with Zoe hiatus. The ride to the horse to Charlottesville, Virginia, show at the Therapeutic Ad- where she now lives next venture Camp of Orange for door to the horse farm of the Century Club event was her son, Fritz Angle, and Tigger’s first and only van his equestrian wife, Lani ride in five years that did not Peppers Angle. end at the veterinary hospi-
In Virginia, Zoe and Carol Photo credit: Fritz Angle tal; not surprisingly he fussed continued to hunt and jump until the whole way. Zoe’s hocks and Carol’s spinal ste- hands, bred at Tale Winds Farm, At the Elmwood Farm show in nosis aged both of them out of the Somerset, Virginia, by Stacey Orange, VA on April 27, 2013, ring. After a successful hip replace- Donnelly, known for the early and the 15-year-old Tigger overcame ment Carol was able to walk with highly successful socialization of any anxiety and carried Carol to a two canes and thought she might all her foals. Tigger had also been 78.7% score in Training Level 1. enjoy the challenge of dressage. trained for hunting and jumping The icing on the cake was the Enter Tigger, a Dutch Warm- but the pair began work in dressage presence and pleasure of Stacy blood/Thoroughbred cross, 17.2 under the skilled guidance Donnelly, his breeder and first fan.
6 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #130: Joy Quinn and Chico Gray
Joy reports: Teamshow after hours130 to see if anyone Growing up on a farm in Illinois, was interested in trying to make I was fortunate to be introduced to him into a dressage horse. riding at age 8 with my own Shet- Chico did much better at dressage land pony. When my pony went than roping, and we did quite well on to greener pastures, I moved up showing and advancing up through to a Paint, then a “generic” horse Second Level. Later I added a that had very rough gaits. When I Dutch Warmblood that I also graduated from the 8th grade, my showed in dressage. parents gave me a 3-year-old Ten- At the time I was signing up for nessee Walker as a graduation gift. the Century Ride, the Warmblood He had only been ridden bareback was having “issues” and a friend with a hackamore, but turned out suggested that I ride “good old” to be a wonderful horse. Chico, despite the fact that he After I graduated from high hadn’t been shown for at least 8 school I went to nursing school Photo credit: Jeanie Eaton years. We began working at Train- in Chicago, which I loved, but I had always just done trail riding ing Level, and I’m sure he was unfortunately it ended my riding in a western saddle and, at first, excited to be working again. days for many years other than I couldn’t imagine why anyone Our Century Ride turned out to an occasional ride on a rented or would want to just ride around in be a wonderful experience. I was so borrowed horse. an arena! proud of Chico. We rode Training In 1958, I married a medical Fast-forward about 5 years and Level 1 and received 1st Place with student who had just completed I bought an Arabian horse that a score of 65%! his 3rd year of school. The next knew dressage. I was soon hooked I would just like to add that none 25 years were filled with raising and began taking lessons. But of this would have been possible our four daughters and my going when we were in a dressage show without the support of my husband back to school, followed by a move in Shawnee, the extended trot was of 54 years and the friends who also to Oklahoma where my husband proving to be too much for my little served as my local trainers - Janelle established his medical practice. Arab. I realized that it was time to Williams, Shelly Williams & DeDe This long horseless period ended end his dressage career, just when Wasemiller. In addition, I have in 1985, when a friend and former mine was getting started. Fate was been fortunate to be able to take neighbor offered me a Quarter with me as a 7-year-old Appendix clinics with Lurena Bell who has Horse that he had raised but, due Quarter Horse was for sale on the come several times a year from to his health issues, could no lon- same show grounds. This horse was Texas. I would also like to thank ger ride. I boarded my new horse at a roper whose legs were too long to our Oklahoma Dressage Society a small barn where the owner was come out of the shoot fast enough; group who helped make this a learning dressage. thus, the owner brought him to the special day for Chico and me!
7 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #131: June Hooks and Mydan Mydandy+
Born and raised in Hunting- TeamDandy, 131 Carol earned her First ton, New York, June has always and Second Level Rider Perfor- been crazy about horses. When- mance Certificates. ever her allowance allowed, After January 1, 2013, when she’d spend it on riding. June turned 70 and could of- After college, she married ficially compete in the Century and moved to Michigan, where Ride on Dandy, Carol and June she had three children. Still started looking for a suitable no horse of her own, but she show. The Lighten Up Dres- continued to ride whenever sage Show, managed by Leslie she could. Of course, it was her Lytton, immediately came to daughter who was horse crazy. mind as a fun environment (Does anyone wonder where for June to make her dressage the guy riders in the Olympics ring debut. come from?) June diligently rode Dandy When June was 44, she and all spring with instructor, Ale- her daughter took jumping thea Cowand, to get ready for
lessons for 12 years. Later June Photo credit: Catherine Betor the show. tried her “hand” at the Saddle participate. Sadly, Flare passed June and Dandy did their Seat discipline. away at age 30. Carol offered Century ride on May 4th and In 2001, when the children were June her wonderful horse, Mydan earned a score of 70% in Introduc- grown, June and her husband Mydandy+. tory B. The judge, Stacy Hastings, moved to North Carolina, where Dandy, a Half Arabian, is now wrote on the comments that “He June finally got a horse of her own 30 years old, but what a career has a lot of spunk!” June says, at age 60! Flare was a 20-year- he has had. Carol has owned him “Dandy is a great little horse, and old Arabian gelding that jumped for 28 year and he has excelled I know that Carol is very proud of and had a working knowledge of in saddle seat, sidesaddle, native him. I had a wonderful time and dressage. A few years later, Flare’s costume, and hunter over fences, have Dandy to thank for being so eyesight was determined not to be as well as dressage. He competed patient with me. It was an honor good enough for jumping; thus, at two Arabian Sport Horse to do this ride.” June and Flare turned to dressage. National Championships, earning As June’s first love remains At the dressage stable, she met “Top Ten” at Second Level in jumping, at 70, she purchased Carol Wertz who became June’s 2005. Then in 2009, he came back Snowflake, an Arabian/Quarter mentor in many ways. For one to the show ring and earned “Top horse cross that loves to jump, thing, Carol told June about the Five” at the Region 15 Arabian and is also learning dressage. Century Club Ride, and she and Championships in Show Hack and June concludes, “Life is good Flare began preparations to Second Level Dressage. Also, with when you have a horse!”
8 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #132: Nancy Isaacson and Halftone
Nancy reports: Team HT132 in California for fox I grew up in a riding hunting and cattle roping family in New Hampshire before moving East. There where my parents ran a was some mention that he riding school. But it wasn’t had dressage experience, until 1996, when I moved so I took him to a clinic to Maryland, that I had my and regained my interest first dressage lesson—and in dressage. And what what a lesson it was! It fun it has been—a perfect was at the Potomac Horse activity for a senior rider! Center with Col. Clar- HT listens carefully for ence Edmonds, one of the my directions when we early organizers of Potomac practice, and has been a Valley Dressage Asso- delight in every way. ciation (PVDA). In those Having heard about the days, many well-known Century Club a few years instructors, such as Bengt ago, we waited a while un- Lundquist and Col. Alfred til our ages qualified us to Kitts, taught at Potomac. give it a go. On May 11th I went on to be active in we received a lot of atten- PVDA volunteer work and tion and best wishes at our had a willing partner, local show, where we rode Second Chance, for my Intro Test B, and earned a rides. Raising a daughter his mid-40s, he has a driving score of 75%. and a son, volunteering, and serv- pony. My daughter also contin- The Century Ride will always ing as District Commissioner for ues to be an active equestrian. remain a high point with my dear the Pony Club took most of my She lives in Colorado where she HT. Soon after the show, and the time, but I began to fox hunt on exercises a Thoroughbred for a day after an absolutely beautiful the weekends. Both my children friend and occasionally hunts with trail ride, HT developed severe rode and continue their interest. Arapahoe Hunt. colic. The vet helped me make However, once my son realized About six years ago, I was the decision to euthanize him to that he was the only male in his given Halftone (HT), a registered prevent further suffering. Even classes, he dropped out. His Appaloosa, from some kind friends though he was 30, he still had a lot interest remained and now, in after I lost a horse. They had used of energy and I will miss him.
9 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #133: John Weir and Bel Rambo
John Weir rode cowboy Team watched133 the horses’ natural style as an adolescent. Then way of going, in contrast to after a 15 year hiatus, his the animated way of going daughter, Debra, became that was developing in the interested in horses, so John Arabian English Pleasure also took it up again. He Classes. While Bo’s owner was particularly interested didn’t know anything about in eventing (cross coun- dressage, he was intrigued try, stadium jumping, and with both the classes and dressage). He also enjoyed the horses. After some participating in trail classes research, Bo’s new career at other shows. became dressage. In 1991, John and his Bo competed to Third horse, The Windy Dude, Level in regular dressage were Wisconsin Dressage classes, but the Musical & Combined Training Freestyle was where he ex- Association Champions at celled. The highlight of Bo’s Training Level eventing. career was when he starred That same year they were in the Dancing with Horses also Reserve Champion Musical Production at the in Area IV for the United 2002 USDF Symposium as States Combined Training the character “Rafiki.” After Association. Later, when he this stellar performance, Bo lost Windy, John kept on was retired to the farm. riding other horses until Prior to John’s Century he got a special mare, B.J., Ride, Bo had been retired for eventing. for 11 years. However, By this time, John had when he was cleaned up been thinking about doing and the saddle placed on a Century Ride. But when his back, he knew immedi- B.J. developed lameness last Janu- Bo started showing as an Ara- ately what his job was, and was very ary, he decided they both should bian English Pleasure horse, but in happy to show everyone that this retire. However, when he got an 1991, his career changed dramati- old horse can still dance! offer to ride an especially superb cally. When he was being shown at On June 1st John and Bo (both horse, John quickly changed his a Region 15 Arabian show, there somewhat stiff with age) rode Intro mind. What follows is a story about happened to be a dressage event C at the Bright Moon Farm in that horse, Bel Rambo (Bo). just two rings over. Bo’s owner Winchester, Virginia.
10 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #134: Barbara Fleming and Dancity Wingn Prayer
This is a story of what can Teamall along the134 way. happen when your father can’t Wing also proved to be an afford a horse for you when you outstanding trail horse. We are a horse-crazy kid. spent many happy days on the Barbara shares: Pacific Crest Trail, hiking with I grew up in a still slightly rural my husband. We also showed suburb of Los Angeles where successfully at Morgan shows in some families were able to keep hunter pleasure and participated horses. Since mine didn’t fall for several years in a quadrille into that category, I had to sat- with our local California Dres- isfy my passion by reading horse sage Society chapter. However, books and bumming rides on the just before Wing’s retirement was neighbors’ horses. By the age of 8 our highlight: Receiving a score or so, I was probably bent in the of 65% performing Fourth Level direction of dressage by a little Test 1. booklet my grandmother brought For a number of years, I have me from her visit to Vienna and scribed for shows put on by Con- the Spanish Riding School. I Photo credit: Sheri Scott nie Davenport’s Golden State fell in love with the look of the horse community and eventually Dressage in Rancho Murieta, men in their traditional bicorn hats owned two Morgan mares. Later, California. In that time, we have riding their stately horses. I think I traded mine for Dancity Wingn had several Century Rides, and it was at about the same time that Prayer (Wing), a two-and-a-half it seemed logical for us to do one I decided that a Morgan was about year old Morgan colt who needed when the math worked out. Wing as close as I could get to the Lipiz- to be a gelding. For his Christmas reached 30 this year, and I reached zaner type. Of course, I had never present, he got to spend a little 70, so on June 13th (2 days after met a live example of either breed. time with the vet. my birthday), we reentered a venue When I married, my husband From the start, Wing was Wing thought he had retired from had no idea of the extent of my intended to be my dressage horse, and performed his interpretation interest in horses. However, when but on the way to that goal, we of Training Level Test One for we moved to a rural area, he was worked on long-line training, as two FEI judges. accepting of my desire to finally well as quite a bit of trail riding I currently have a wonderful have a horse, and also agreed to when he first was under saddle. Third Level horse and continue to have one for our young daughter, In the evenings, sometimes in the train and show. Wing again spends who proved to be as horse-crazy moonlight, we worked on dressage, his time trail riding and pursuing his as her mother had been. As luck occasionally sharing our arena lifelong goal —sleeping the perfect would have it, we were introduced with passing deer. We progressed nap. And I still have that inspiring to people in the local Morgan steadily to Fourth Level, showing booklet from Vienna.
11 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #135: Kathy Knappitsch and General Lee
So far, this team Team then135 Rome, where she represents Century Club’s showed at the FEI Level oldest horse and youngest with her Hanoverian, and rider (35 and 65, respec- back to Vienna, where tively). she rode a Westphalian Growing up in Dallas, at the Prix St. Georges Texas, Kathy always Level. While living wanted a horse. At 13, in Kuwait from 1988 she had saved enough to1990, Kathy made the from babysitting to pay first dressage team for for Girl Scout camp, but Kuwait. In 1989, Kathy instead she found an attended the Interna- old mare for $125. She tional Candidate Judges’ successfully bargained Course in Belgium. with her dad to pay the After moving back to difference, if she did not the States, Kathy real- go to camp. Luckily, a ized her long-time dream boarding stable opened as she and Franz trans- nearby, where she could the Spanish Riding School to teach formed her dad’s old keep Whirl-Away for $7/month. her six horses classical dressage Thoroughbred racing farm into a (Those were the days!) three days per week. After study- dressage facility in Fairview, Texas. Fast-forward several years and ing German, she then worked at a Kathy became an “L” Graduate Kathy began riding English in breeding facility and riding club. and has been boarding horses and college and received instruc- In 1972, Kathy was accepted teaching and showing ever since. tion from a French lady who had as an American to ride with the Her partner in the Century Ride, extensive dressage training. After “Cadre Noir” in Saumur, France General Lee, has been boarded at graduation, Kathy went to Eng- (the French Military Academy). Kathy’s for more than 10 years. land and worked on her Teacher’s For three weeks, Kathy had les- He’s a Thoroughbred-Arabian Certificate at the Talland School sons and lectures about three-day cross, born in Hollywood, Florida, of Equitation in Gloucestershire eventing. With a handshake from (a real star!) given to his owner, and decided she wanted to stay in one of the top Colonels, she passed Erica Elias, for her 9th birthday Europe to continue her dressage the instructor’s eventing course. 26 years ago. He has taught many education. With her last $25 and While in Austria, Kathy had met children to ride, loves to be rid- a plane ticket in hand, she flew to a wonderful man, Franz Knap- den and is a great teacher. Kathy Vienna, Austria to start a new job. pitsch, and married in 1975. With and General rode Intro Test B for In Vienna, Kathy worked for a her diplomatic husband, they lived their Century Ride on June15th at woman who paid a “Bereiter” at in Romania, under Communism; Kathy’s Lime Ridge Farm.
12 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #136: Judy Finkel and Coke Nally
Born and raised in Team new136 Wojo, helping Judy Quincy, Massachusetts, to teach hundreds of new Judy was infatuated with young riders about dressage. horses, covering the walls André stops if his rider gets of her bedroom with horse off balance or he or she says pictures, while saving every anything that sounds like penny she made babysitting “whoa.” He is practically (at 25¢/hour) for riding in voice trained and listens to the Blue Hills. the reader at shows so care- After graduating from the fully that Judy has to make University of Maine, she a real effort to keep him taught Junior High School trotting when he hears Sue, in York, Maine, while liv- calling ahead, say, “Between ing with the Cadwalader C and H medium walk.” family. Judy mostly rode On June 22nd, Judy and with their daughter, Claris- André rode Training Level sa. Mr. Cadwalader liked to daughter wanted a “Hunter/Jump- Test 3 at the Great Lakes “have a horse on the property” and er” type horse, rather than Coke Dressage Summer Show at the let Judy keep her first horse there. Nally (André), the Arabian they Fulton County (OH) Fairgrounds. She and her husband, Bob, had bought for her, Judy started Judy says, “It has truly been an hon- moved to Toledo, Ohio, after his riding André. He was quite or to partner with such a sensitive, Fellowship in Rheumatology. Judy nervous and never did like to intelligent animal, and needless to leased horses for a few years, until jump so the two of them got along say, André is the favorite horse at she bought the sweetest horse in fabulously. the barn.” the world—Wojo, a dun Quarter Judy and her trainer friend, Judy is currently the President of Horse. With Wojo, she introduced Sue Burton, traveled all around the Great Lakes Dressage Club and all three of her children to riding. Region 2 for many years attending also belongs to The Archaeology Two of the kids kept on riding dressage clinics, picking up USDF Institute of America, Phi Mu hunter/ jumper all through their hours and learning more and more Sorority, and is the 2nd Inter- college years. about this wonderful riding disci- national Vice President of The When her youngest daughter pline. Sue recently got her USDF Questers, an antique study group was 14, Judy had officially started University diploma and Judy got that supports restoration and teaching riding and eventually her certificate. preservation of important historical discovered dressage. So when her Meanwhile, André became the properties in the area.
13 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #137: Sharon Berkshire and Chesterton
Sharon never had an Team 137In 1997, it seemed opportunity to ride until time to return to riding her 7 year-old daughter, and by then, dressage who loved horses through was her chosen venue. the many books she read, One day, Sharon saw wanted a taste of the real a very interesting ad: thing. Together they took A “handsome 16.1- riding lessons and had a hand Thoroughbred wonderful experience. gelding, lovely mover, Two years later, the an especially nice can- family (Sharon, her hus- ter, good lateral work band, daughter and son) and counter canter.” moved to a small horse Even at his age of 29, community in a northern Sharon found every suburb of Chicago where word of the ad about they purchased an Appa- Chesterton to be loosa pony. Except for the absolutely true. father, the family (Sharon, In recent years, daughter and son) took Sharon and Chesterton turns riding him. Later have been taking les- they became active in the sons from Vicki Kelley local branch of the Pony of Antares Dressage in Club of America. A few Pinehurst. At this stage years later, Sharon was of Sharon’s and Ches- chosen as the District terton’s riding journey, Commissioner of the Club. Sharon purchased a wonderful Vicki keeps things As a natural progression in a nine-year-old 16-hand Quarter simple. On June 22nd Sharon, a horse family, they purchased a Horse who became her first “just member of the North Carolina 16-hand hunter jumper for their for me” horse. Dressage and Combined Training daughter to learn on and com- In 1995, when she and her Association, and Chesterton rode pete. Meanwhile, Sharon leased a husband retired to North Carolina, Intro. Test C at the Antares Connemara trail horse, but con- the then 27-year-old horse came Dressage Schooling Show, in tinued taking hunt-seat lessons at with them where he was turned Aberdeen, North Carolina. a riding facility. When she was 44, out to pasture.
14 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #138: Donna Brown and Amie Phoenix+
Donna grew up Team 138in dressage and near Sedgwick, competed in the Colorado, where first two U.S. Sport she owned a pony Horse National when she was Championships. only six years old. At age 19, Phoenix In 1951, when learned to jump she was 11, she and successfully got her first Ara- competed in open bian, “Buster,” and Two-Phase events. showed him in Besides all this, he 4-H. Donna and has also been used Buster went on to as a lesson horse, show in English teaching countless Pleasure, side- children how saddle, and other to ride. events. She and Phoenix had been Buster enjoyed a retired, and Donna lot of pleasure riding. But at only Phoenix+. (They were Teams had never done dressage, so it took age 18, Donna had serious knee number #88 and #112 respec- some time for them to prepare for problems attributed to arthritis; tively.) So Donna decided that she their Century Ride. But on June it was so bad that she had to stop might take up riding again. And, 29th, Donna and Phoenix rode riding entirely. not only that, she realized that she Intro. Test A as part of the 65th It was not until 2002, with a could also do a Century Ride on Estes Park (Colorado) Arabian double-knee replacement, that her Phoenix! Horse Show. pain was gone entirely. Phoenix, a great grandson Having succeeded at this ride, Donna got to thinking about of the Phoenician +++, was Donna is looking forward to riding how her husband, Norman Brown, shown to First Level in dressage without pain on Phoenix, or pos- and a good friend, Jim Snook, had by Trisha Swift, Donna and sibly on her daughter’s Norwegian both done their Century Rides on Norman’s daughter. He earned Fjord. And who knows, Donna may a wonderful Arabian gelding, Amie two Regional Championships even be seen in a show ring again!
15 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #139: Herman Aguayo and SA Wasim+
Becoming a Century Club mem- TeamThe Sawda139 Farm hosts two ber has been on Herman’s bucket schooling shows a year. Herman and list ever since, years ago, the late Kathy are members and supporters Lt. Col. Eugene Dueber of Port of the Lower Puget Sound Dres- Orchard, Washington, one of the sage Club. As Kathy explains, “The original members of the Century LPSDC is a great, low key venue for Club (Team #16), encouraged him beginning riders to start competing to do it. Eugene, a fellow Marine, in dressage. All breeds of horses are gave Herman his U.S. Marine welcomed – not just those thought Corps blue with yellow trim saddle of as the traditional dressage horses.” pad to remind him about his Despite having both knees re- Century Club goal. Sawda. While in Ojai, California, placed in operations in 2011-2012, Herman grew up near the Santa he met Jess Kale, 80 years old, who and never having ridden dressage, Cruz River in Tucson, Arizona, was an old time “horse whisperer”. Herman was still determined to be a where he first rode ponies staked Jess helped Herman to perfect a Century Club member. He prepared out to graze, and progressed to quiet and gentle method of “train- with Shannon Lockwood, a Grand becoming a card-carrying member ing” which he has used ever since. Prix rider, who trains and teaches of the Professional Cowboy Rodeo When he retired in 1983, Her- dressage at Sawda. Shannon knew Association. In his youth, he rode man and his wife Kathy relocated that Herman already had good broncs, did team roping, and even to Port Orchard, WA. They equitation basics, and just needed to tried Brahma bulls! began breeding their stallion to work on learning the dressage pat- During his long non-horsey select mares with the end result tern. They worked together for 10 period, beginning in 1956, he being purebred and half Arabians to 15 minutes a day, but stuck with served in the U.S. Marine Corp for with sound minds, good legs, and Intro Test A as Wasim, at his age, eight years. Then during Vietnam tons of athletic ability. Herman would not be able to handle he rejoined the Navy and served in and his stallion, Prince, showed the canter. the Sea Bees as a heavy equipment in driving, Western Pleasure, and On Sunday, July 7, 2013, several operator. He served two tours in other disciplines. They call their former students watched Herman Vietnam, returning with a purple farm Sawda Equestrian Center and (75) and Wasim (28) ride their heart. This was followed by de- have produced many champions, as Century Club test at the LPSDC ployments to Puerto Rico, Guam, well as fine horses that are used for show, earning a score of 64.688%. Diego Garcia, and three years in the families, trail riding, and endurance. To celebrate, attendees enjoyed Philippines. Herman led a 4-H club for more chocolate cake and sparkling cider In 1979, Herman adopted 3 mus- than 16 years and is very proud of while Wasim snacked on a “carrot” tangs through the BLM program. those who were in his club, includ- cake. Herman looks forward to It was a year later that he bought ing 3 women who are now equine encouraging both old and young a purebred Arabian colt, Prince vets. riders to fulfill their own dreams.
16 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #140: Ruth Crennell and St. George
Ruth reports: Teamily whose140 daughter, Patty, I was fortunate to grow up evented him. They quali- in a rural area in the Irish fied for the North American midlands, close to the Shan- Young Rider Championships non River. Although there and ran at the Intermedi- was always a horse or two ate level. When Patty went around, and I rode a lot as a to college, George, at the kid, I never had any riding age of 19, found his way lessons until I married my to Deanna Hertrich who college sweetheart and we resumed eventing him at emigrated, first to Canada, the lower levels. The pair and later to the United had a distinguished career, States. I began riding again placing in both eventing and in my 30s, after settling in dressage with the Perfor- Wisconsin and beginning mance Horse Registry and to raise a family. One thing the Thoroughbred Incen- led to another and soon we tive Program. They qualified found ourselves the owners for the American Eventing of a small horse farm. For Championships every season years I rode hunters until I they competed and attended tired of the constant strug- the Championships twice, gle to find the perfect take- finishing in the top 20. off spot to every fence on a After meeting George and hunter course. I slowly made riding him just three times, the transition to dressage we completed Training Level and have been fascinated by Test 2 on July 27th at Silver- it for more years than I care wood Farm in Camp Lake, Photo credit: Jackie Moran to count. Wisconsin. When I read about the Century Certification seminar and asked I’d like to thank The Dressage Club a few years ago, I thought I Deanna Hertrich, his owner, if she Foundation for providing me with would like to become a member of would consider lending him to me; this opportunity, Deanna Hertrich that select group. The horse I cur- she immediately agreed. for graciously lending her lovely rently own is a 12-year-old Welsh George is a 1987 Thoroughbred horse to a total stranger, and my Cob cross, so she is not a candi- by Our Native out of Best Game. friends and the other competitors date - at least not yet. A friend saw He raced briefly as a youngster at the show who made my Century St. George at a USDF Instructor and then came to the Green fam- Club Ride such a great experience.
17 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #141: William Wise and Jake
William shares: Teama mustang 141 mare named Mary Jane. Unlike most Century Club mem- For the better part of a year, Mary bers, my life as a horseman began Jane was my school horse and only a few years ago. I grew up in the one on whom I rode my first an urban environment, Baltimore, dressage tests in 2011. Maryland, where horses worked Sometime during that summer pulling wagons of produce and Kim suggested that I ride Jake, a discarded household items. My 22-year-old American Quarter concept of activities on horseback Horse gelding. I followed her sugges- was restricted to what I saw at the tion and we have been a team ever circus or wild-west shows. My first since. Jake had been given to Kim riding experience, which occurred in 2009 after the death of his former almost fifty years ago, is not some- owner; consequently we know little thing that I remember with much about him other than his breed and pleasure. It was a trail ride where I age. I think it was sometime in 2011, was one of several riders mounted that I heard about the Century Club on a string of horses trained to walk, suggested that I might also benefit and decided to make becoming a trot, and canter at the leader’s whim. from some time in the saddle, so I member a goal that would show Besides being jostled about on a hard began doing some summer riding at what I had accomplished as a rider, saddle farther above the ground Stephens College. When an opening as well as honoring Jake’s years of than seemed prudent, the only other occurred in one of their western rid- service to those seeking equestrian thing I recall about that experience ing classes, I enrolled in it, but soon skills. Since I came to know Jake, was being asked, “Why aren’t you discovered that beginning riding in he has been my training partner, a posting?” With that experience, any college isn’t really for beginners like companion on walks and trail rides, thought that riding a horse might me. I wasn’t having fun and was my Christmas parade mount, and be something one did for pleasure making very little progress. After a a young girl’s horse in a mounted and recreation didn’t cross my mind session on the lunge line with the quadrille. for many years, and attending horse instructor, it became apparent that On July 29, 2013, Jake and I rode shows and pulls became my way to I required private instruction. It was Intro Level tests A and C as our relate to horses. at this point that my former wife Century Club ride at Missouri’s This was to change several years suggested that I consider dressage. “Show Me” State Games Dressage ago after reading Linda Kohanov’s, I secured an introduction to Kim event. We rode as members of The The Tao of Equus, followed by my Krieckhaus, who taught dressage at Windpuffs team, which won the volunteering at a nearby therapeutic her farm. But it was December, the adult division A USDF silver medal. riding center. This was a cost-free farm has no indoor facility and the I’m grateful to The Dressage Foun- way to learn something about horse outdoor arena was covered in snow dation for giving Jake and me this handling, a skill I anticipated need- and ice. Thus, my instruction was opportunity to be recognized, and ing to know as a new grandfather. delayed until the latter part of the thank my wife, friends, and teachers Seeing how much some of the rid- winter when I began learning the for their continuing patience and ing center’s clients were benefitting, fundamentals of a balanced seat on support.
18 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #142: Jorge Gomez and Embrujado
On August 26th at Sue Teamin a veterinarian142 clinic with and Jenny Neller’s Hors- Emby under anesthesia. He escape Farms in Okemos, was brought home to our Michigan, Jorge Gomez and barn on the same day. My Embrujado performed their wife Ginette, a horse lover Century Club ride, alongside as well, noticed that he was good friend Sue Hughes, becoming distressed and his whose story is reported on lips were turning purple. the following page. This She promptly transported special Century Club event him in our horse trailer and was set up by friends and took him to a large animal families of the riders, who clinic at Michigan State arranged a wonderful party. University where the doc- Jorge Gomez, a retired tors remove seven feet of Plastic Surgeon and 2010 small bowel. This was quite member of the Century Club frightening indeed. Fortu- (#76 with Semik), this time nately he recovered well rode Embrujado, his horse after a few weeks. of many years. Jorge told us We have been very proud a bit about “Emby,” as he is to show Emby. Once he informally called around reached the appropriate the barn. age, we participated in the Jorge shares: Century Club award. We Embrujado, which means rode a Third Level Kür with ‘bewitched’ in Spanish, has a Mozart composition: The been my dressage horse Sleigh Ride of the German for the last 22 years. He is Dances. truly a wonderful horse. He Although Ginette passed was the colt of Gitana and away from cancer one year Dejado, purebred Andalu- ago, she was there in spirit, sians from the Parras Farm watching us preform. Gi- in Texas. few years old. At the age of two he nette and I have always felt that We knew he was a very promis- was castrated, which unfortunately Emby is an exceptional horse and ing horse from the very first day. was complicated by a small bowel a great companion. He was black at birth until he was hernia. The surgery was performed
19 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #143: Sue Hughes and Zippo’s Imprint
As noted in the previous Team leader143 than the one we story, good friends Jorge Gomez have!” Sue took her up on and Sue Hughes performed their it, got somebody to teach her Century Club rides in the same to ride, and ended up teach- place on the same day, judged ing and leading that program by friend and supporter, Maryal for 20 years! Barnett. Below is a synopsis of Sue’s long and fruitful career. Sue is an all-around dres- • On the Board of the sage person, as an active Midwest Dressage Associa- clinician, instructor, dressage tion for 14 years; was presi- judge, and club organizer/ dent for four of those years. leader. She has competed for • Earned her USEF “r” many years, mostly around in dressage and eventing Plymouth, Michigan, where judging. she helped found the Sum- • Served on the Violet mer Series Dressage School- Hopkins USDF Instructors ing Shows. Sue had three Symposium Committee for advanced horses, which she 11 years. took into the ring at the Prix • Became a Level III St. Georges Level, but, alas, as Centered Riding instructor they grew older, they passed and served on its board. on too quickly for her to reach • A Certified Horseman- Grand Prix. ship Association (CHA) She continued to ride and instructor; served a term on compete on lower level horses. do without her ongoing conversa- its board. Now retired, but a Zippo’s Imprint (Isaac), her ever tions with Isaac. life-long member of the CHA. so patient riding companion and But there’s a lot more to know • Active in the USDF and served her partner on Team #143, lives about Sue, which can only be for 9 years as national membership at her 4-stall boarding barn on 20 briefed here. She says that it was chairperson. acres in southeast Michigan. Al- the Girl Scouts that got her going • Region 2 Regional Director for though Sue hasn’t competed much with horses, which led to her being 9 years and member of the USDF recently, Isaac, now 20, continues a joiner extraordinaire! Board of Directors. to teach her, now 84, to keep mov- It all started when she sent her There’s more—but you get the ing forward, so that she can keep daughter to a riding camp, but she picture of a very talented, accom- on teaching and judging—things came home to announce, “Mom, plished, and valuable volunteer for that would be difficult to you could do a lot better as a troop the entire horse community.
20 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #144: Mary Goss and Cajun
Mary fell in love with horses very TeamKaren N orton144 for exposing her to early in life, as the Abbott Milk (for her) a “new” discipline. At Company brought milk to her that clinic, Mary met many riders doorstep in a trailer pulled by huge, and their trainers and decided beautiful horses in South Philadel- “This is for me!” phia in the early 1940s. Mary was Mary joined the Connecticut determined that someday she would Dressage and Combined Training have a horse. Alas, when the family Association (CDCTA) and took moved to Norwalk, Connecticut, many lessons from a very talented and lived in the suburbs, having a rider. Together, they worked with horse was not possible. Then her her 28+ year old Quarter Horse dad died when she was only 9, and (Cajun) and her 13 year old there were two younger sisters to Haflinger (Elizabethan Lady). Mary care for. entered as many dressage shows as Finally, Mary got a “job” of sorts she could. Then at a CDCTA fun- helping Dr. Chester Guthrie at his Photo credit: Act Regal Photography draiser, Mary won some Centered veterinary hospital. The doctor had Mary’s first horse of her own Riding lessons from Deb Moyni- several horses that she could ride! was a 7-month old filly out of an han. During these lessons, she was Her favorite was a pinto gelding off-track Thoroughbred, sired by a amazed at her progress and realized that she showed in Hunter classes, 5-gaited Saddlebred. Mary had her that Centered Riding was also for which was somewhat comical in hands full until Bruce Walters, the her! Mary now rides with Deb that he just didn’t look the part. University’s horseman, trained her every week and continues to Nevertheless, they excelled in filly. Mary showed her as a hunter, learn. They are fine-tuning her Open Jumping competitions. but now realizes what a great dres- riding, while making her horses Mary also took riding lessons at sage horse she would have made. more suitable for dressage. the Wilton Riding Club and often After Mary divorced and was Deb encouraged Mary to apply for hacked over to the New Canaan raising her daughter, she finished a Century Ride. Mary and Cajun Mounted Troop stables, where Mrs. her graduate degrees and worked rode on August 30th at Randy May Self let her use her facilities. in a research lab at UConn as an Memorial Dressage show in Mans- In 1958, Mary started out on a electron microscopist. In 2000, she field, CT. Mary says that it was the pre-vet program at the University retired from teaching at the UConn most exciting ride of her life. Old of Connecticut and, of course, Medical School. During this time, Cajun was as excited as she was. rode at the Horse Barn as often Mary married her good friend and They posted their highest score as she could. After graduation, fellow animal lover, Ed. A few yet, a 68.75 at Intro Level. Mary she married; her husband was a horses and 35 years later a good thought everything she had learned Swine Herdsman, and they lived on friend invited her to a dressage came into being and felt like she Horsebarn Road. clinic. Mary is so thankful to was in a dream.
21 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #145: Sally Barber and Honest Knockout
Sally shares her story: TeamSzilagyi. 145 I competed in hunter Honest Knockout, a Thor- classes, one –day events, and oughbred, came into my life in dressage through Second Level. 1990 as an unbroken 2-year-old, Major, his students called him, when I decided I might like to was an exceptional communica- start “just one more horse.” He tor, and so influential not only has been a pleasure. We have for my riding but for my teaching competed in Adult Equitation, of children. From him, I realized Pleasure, and Training and First just how important dressage prin- Level dressage at my show club, ciples are for all riders and horses Delaware Valley Horseman’s of any age. Association (DVHA). Knock- With the untimely death of out is also occasionally used in my husband in 1981, I wondered lessons and has taken good care how I could continue on. As of my visiting grand-daughter in many will understand, my three walk-trot classes at DVHA. week for the week-end fox hunt- boys, the horses, and riding stu- I grew up on Staten Island, ers. My boys were introduced to dents sustained me and moved me which had no horse farms; howev- riding, but ice hockey became their forward. The school and camp er, there was Clove Lake Stables, main sport. had energies of their own. When run by the tireless couple, John I began teaching riding again I remarried, Joe became not only and Adele Franzreb. They had with a neighbor’s black Shetland my husband, but also my groom, about 60 horses for trail riding, pony, Sleepy, (who would rather who goes to every show where lessons for school groups, hay rides, be driven than ridden), and 13 Knockout and I are riding. So, of and horse shows. This became my neighborhood children. What I course, Joe was there on Sunday, second home, along with my first really wanted was my own riding September 1, 2013 when we did horse and 13th birthday present, school and camp. In 1972, my our Century Club Ride at a DVHA Lottie Ree, a chestnut Saddlebred dream came true when we moved dressage show, performing a First mare, who ended up going to Hol- to Pennington, New Jersey, and Level test. lins College with me. While there, Deerfield Farm. With a lot of Knockout shares his barn home I competed in Saddle Seat classes, work ahead of us, Deerfield Rid- with Sweet Pea, a 28 year old and later taught camp riding ing School started with 2 Welsh Welsh Pony and Sunset Sam, a 10 lessons at the stables. Ponies, GailyGo and Cavalier, and year old Palomino. I am currently Married life eventually took my a 16” used Stubben saddle. Soon, training Sunset Sam with the help husband, me, and our three sons to I had more school horses, several of a gifted dressage educator, Dr. Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, in 1966. boarders, and lessons going every Maria Katsamanis. Thank you for There I learned Hunt Seat and day of the week. giving me this opportunity to share jumping at Jack Trainor’s “Here In 1974, with the purchase precious horse memories and to and There Farm” in Penllyn, of my first Thoroughbred, Bold promote dressage for lively senior PA. There were always horses Pauline, I was introduced to the riders and their horses! Long may for me to exercise during the inspired teaching of Major Dezso it continue.
22 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #146: Martin Sosnoff and Scirocco
Martin tells his own Team 146Unfortunately, com- story: petitors in the ring must Alas! My parents be measured solely in didn’t hoist me on a decimal points. I’m pony when I was a resigned to the system. 4-year-old. There were As a money manager, no ponies in the East I’ve been measured in Bronx in the 1930s, numbers for over 50 only Sheffield Farm’s years. Hopefully, you go work horses yoked through life with good to rubber-tired milk numbers. wagons. But, I’m a con- When I enter the firmed dressage rider ring at A, my thoughts for at least half my have nothing to do with years which now show the score. All I desire an eight in front. is to give my buddy a I’m convinced it great ride, that we’re in takes at least three harmony and enjoying lifetimes to become a the unfolding experi- great Grand Prix rider. ence in the ring. Never My second lifetime I the same. There is no expect to devote to bal- perfection in what we let dancing, but I am reserving my Scirocco gives me everything he do, but the thought of its possibil- third rendition for dressage. Hope- has to give, willingly, so I guess he ity keeps us riding intensively and fully, I can resume at the Prix St. loves me. Actually, we love each contentedly. Georges level and work up to 15 other, but there’s no sex involved. Martin and Scirocco rode a Prix St. one-tempis from 7 two-tempis. I am looking forward to breaking Georges test as their Century Ride at Scirocco, my bay 19-year-old the mold, expecting to ride well the New England Dressage Association Danish Warmblood, is my best into my nineties at Grand Prix. Fall Festival on September 20, 2013. friend. We bought him young (The Greeks called this hubris.) Note that in 2009, Martin rode an when he was a First Level horse, But no horse, not even Trigger, can Oldenburg gelding who much preferred very forward, but on his forehand. count into the nineties. We need to school indoors, so he shied at each It took us over a year to package to see more competitors with white of the letters in the court. But, never- our guy, but he moves like a hair. I’ve been accused of dying theless, they became the Century Club Ferrari. mine, but it’s a dirty lie. Team # 63.
23 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #147: Bob Clements and Golden Rosebud
As a child living in Team 147ally. However, in late Arlington, Virginia, summer 2013, Bob Bob used to sneak onto changed Rosebud’s the grounds of the Fort diet and supplements. Myer military installation He and his instructor, to watch the children Inga Janke, believed of service people ride. that Rosebud was However, Bob didn’t once again ready for begin riding until he serious work and was 55, when he and his competition. So Bob family lived in Loudoun planned a really won- County, Virginia, where derful performance horses were a significant for their Century part of the area. Bob and Ride on Saturday his wife Jean had twins, September 2007 when Rosebud September 21, enter- Sara Catherine and Bryan. The agreed to leave her home in Ger- ing the Homestead Farm Musical kids rode hunter/jumpers for 14 many and come to America. A Freestyle Challenge in Catlett, years, while Jean was their faithful Hanoverian mare from the “G” line Virginia. (The show was a benefit groom. But in 1987, when both of registered Hanoverians in Ger- for ovarian cancer research.) Bob Sara and Bryan went off to college, many, Rosebud was born in 1992. personally selected the music for they left behind a horse that Bob After her quarantine in Maryland, each part of their test: The entry began to ride. He did some endur- and before coming to Bob’s home was ridden to Aaron Copland’s ance riding, but mostly trail riding. at Woodmede Farm in Flint Hill, “Fanfare for the Common Man”; He and Jean enjoyed trips to many Virginia, Rosebud spent a week the trot sequences featured Patsy countries around the world doing at a neighboring farm with a Cline’s “Walkin After Midnight” trail rides. German instructor so she “could and “Never No More”; the walk Bob was a practicing dentist for learn English.” sequence was ridden to John 37 years. After retirement he be- Bob and Rosebud competed regu- Denver’s “I Want to Live”; and came a licensed veterinary techni- larly at schooling shows in Train- the ride was climaxed in the canter cian and now refers to himself as a ing and then, First Level, through to Melissa Etheridge’s “I Run for beef cattle farmer (a passion he has the 2010 show season. Although a Life.” The team earned a 3rd place had since 1975). Jean is a Senior “schoolmistress horse” at the time, finish with a score of 68.367%. Judge with the Court of Appeals of it was thought that Rosebud was Michael Matson, a member of The Virginia. too stiff for higher-level competi- Dressage Foundation’s Board of It wasn’t until they moved to tion. So Bob began a search for Directors, delivered the ribbon, Rappahannock County, Virginia, another horse. In February 2011, he while the “R” Judge, Nancy Lowey, in 2000 that Bob developed a purchased a Hanoverian gelding, commented: “Some nice memories passion for dressage, while Jean re- Wrachmaninov Q, “Wrocky.” were brought forth by your musi- assumed her role as groom. At that time, Rosebud was semi- cal choices. Wonderful work with Rosebud and Bob teamed up in retired, showing only occasion- Rosebud! We are proud of you!”
24 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #148: Kate Champa and Starfish (Fish)
Kate tells their wonderful TeamHorse of my148 Heart and always story: will be. We have had many ad- I started riding when I was 8 ventures. We evented together and competed (and won occa- for years, going to Virginia for sionally) in the Hunter/Jumper the Chronicle of the Horse team world as a teenager. (I actually championships, and having fun qualified for the Medal Maclay and winning ribbons throughout Championship at the National Area 1 (New England and NY). Horse Show but was not al- I was also Area 1 Chair for the lowed to go because of school.) U.S. Eventing Association. Fish In the 1950s we jumped “outside loved eventing, and still tries to courses”, which is probably why I Photo credit: Amanda Sylvia lull me into inattention in our ended up as an Event rider. trips into the back field – wait- I met Fish, a registered Ara- ing until she thinks she can bian, when she was five. She sneak in a giant buck and be never had been ridden and had galloping wildly before I notice. been donated to Greenlock Dressage is okay, as she likes to Therapeutic Riding, where I show off and look beautiful but worked. She was then a pinkish running and jumping is where grey (hence the name Starfish), her heart is. In dressage she tries very cooperative but clueless, hard, offers what she thinks I as was I. It was my job to turn am asking for, and then teaches her into a therapy horse. We me how to ask properly. She went through the usual backing Photo credit: Brant Gamma never says no. protocols, as well as some not so children to ride. But she soon got Fish really enjoyed our Century usual. A friend had advised, “Oh, bored with that. She perfected the Ride, all dressed and groomed to to get her used to the leg, tie some jog trot runaway – carefully stay- the nines, with lots of spectators lightweight tires to the stirrups ing under the child on her back watching and cheering us on. She when lunging”—That resulted in while paying no attention to any was so proud, as we did Third a long walk for me down the local commands from said child or those Level Test 1 for the crowd. Our road to find her after she bolted, on the ground. Her first step into ride was at the Charles River Dres- thankfully losing both tires. We sainthood was the care she took sage Association Schooling Show survived that incident and slowly of the kid she was not listening to. on September 29. each of us became more “clueful.” However at that point she flunked Now we are still together, with She soon had a successful ca- out of therapy horsehood. our ages adding up to 100. But reer as a therapy horse, sweetly So I acquired her as a second neither of us has any thoughts of nuzzling the small children and horse, thinking I would turn her retiring! tolerating long lining, balls thrown into a little beginner novice event Fish is a saint and a healer and I to the kids on her back, and for a horse and sell her later. But here am so blessed to have shared the short while teaching able bodied we are 22 years later and she is the last 22 years with her.
25 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #149: Judith Wagley and Sweet William
Judy remembers when Teamhis own149 investment firm; Judy she was only five, riding her became his office manager for grandfather’s workhorse, another 20 years. Dolly, back and forth from When fully retired, Judy got the barn, pulling the fork to to thinking about how to en- lift the hay into the mow. tertain her granddaughter for From then on, life went on a weeklong visit. Aha! Riding around her, but horses were lessons! This turned out to be a always on her mind. wonderful choice, as it brought When she was about 10, Judy to Whispering Pines her father, a small town Equitation Center where the funeral director, accepted a world of dressage was opened horse as partial payment on a to her. Her first horse there bill, and Judy became a proud was a Haflinger mare, but after owner of a beautiful black mare bought another black mare, this one year, Judy decided to look for a named Nancy Bess. Judy and Bess one in foal. horse with more dressage training rode through town, on the nearby They had a second son, and and a better work ethic. Through country roads, and even on the lived in the country 11 years with friends she heard of a grey Arab racetrack when nothing else was horses, ponies, rabbits, cats and pet gelding that had been abandoned going on. However, when Judy en- chickens. But as the boys grew, at a stable by his owner and was tered Junior High, she didn’t have their interests could no longer be now legally for sale by the stable. If time to ride or care for Bess, so Bess satisfied out in the country. So the he had papers, they were lost along was retired to a farm, while Judy’s family moved into town. There, with the owner, but his willing spirit life took another path. Judy could pursue her other pas- and smooth canter was just what Judy met her husband, Tom, at sion—music. She was a choir Judy needed. She named him Sweet Ball State University in Muncie, member and soloist in the Meth- William to reflect his personality. Indiana. They moved to San Fran- odist church, soloed from time Judy usually rides four days a cisco, then to Cleveland, and even- to time in other churches, and week including her lesson day. But tually back to Muncie. By that time even was a modestly paid soloist the full picture includes the cama- they had a son and thought coun- at the Jewish temple for 25 years. raderie of the riders at Whispering try life would be a good thing. They She also was an early member of Pines, and the infinite patience of found 15 wooded acres just outside Masterworks Chorale—the civic the trainer/owner, Dena Robertson. of town that had a house and barn. chorus that recently celebrated its It truly took a “village” and several Judy’s father, in the same country 30th year. years to get Judy and Willie into spirit, bought them a matched pair Meanwhile, Tom left his 22- that ring on October 5 for their of silver dapple Shetland ponies (a year position at a bank as VP and Century Ride, judged by her good mother and daughter). Soon Judy Investment Officer, and set up friend, Maryal Barnett.
26 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #150: Susan Shattuck and Lotus
Susan reports: Teamyears, 150 as well as placing at I have always been addicted the PSG nationals when held to horses. When I was a tod- at Temple Farms, Illinois. dler, I would reach out for a As he aged in retirement, horse rather than the parent arthritis restricted his abil- who was holding me! Lucky ity to get up after rolling; for me, my father was assigned the grooms at Holly Hill as an attaché to Cordoba, Farm in Benton, Louisiana, Argentina, where I got my would help him to get back first horse, a Criollo mare, on his feet. His vet, Dr. and took lessons with Eva, an Bobby Hewlett, started IV immigrant from Germany. joint therapy that gave me However, the return from a “new” horse. Gradually I Argentina ended my riding began riding and working for 30 years, as I went through toward the goal of riding my medical school. In solo 33 year and 10 months old private practice in obstetrics horse in the Century Ride. and gynecology in Shreveport, First we were only going to Louisiana, I found great solace do an Intro Level test; but in riding whenever I could. then he took the left, and Finally, when I had begun to finally, the right, lead canters search for the perfect horse, I without hesitation. found a fantastic schoolmaster As Lotus retrained for the in Sara Dwyer’s Barn in Eng- ride, I did also, as Parkin- land. Here he was, content in son’s disease has made my his dark stall with a blanket balance, strength, and coor- on; he came out to be ridden dination difficult. But it all without a qualm. The ride was adult amateur regionals. came together on October 5, 2013, calm and uneventful, just what my Meanwhile, Lotus competed when my old horse and his 66 friend, Alan Fox, and I wanted. with Louise Fox and Jennifer years and 2 months old owner rode And for the past 24 years, Lotus Welsh-Wise at the FEI levels. He Training Level Test 1 in the rain. and I have been an inseparable was reserve champion for Interme- Many thanks to all who helped team. diate 2 for Region 9 in 1994 and both of us through the years, and, I rode Lotus as I learned the champion for Intermediate 1 in especially, to Tristate Dressage levels, starting at Second, finishing 1993. He won numerous Prix St. Society for a very emotional at Fourth, where we competed in Georges (PSG) classes through the reception in Lotus’s honor.
27 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #151: Vita Pariente and Cupcake
Despite being horse crazy Team small151 (13.1 h) for more ad- since day one, Vita grew up vanced riders. Vita gave her in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a try and liked her. Cupcake where riding opportunities was responsive to leg and seat, were very few; however, the and sure-footed. When Vita Saturday movie matinees, bought her, she mainly had with all the famous western trail riding in mind, but then horses and riders, were there she met a dressage instructor, for a dime. Also Vita and her Amanda Garrett. Amanda was little sister were thrilled by the very observant and calm, had Pennsylvania National Horse a covered arena, and already Show, which included inter- knew Cupcake (everyone national jumping competition. Two widow. After three years in Califor- knew Cupcake). Vita’s goal was to years later they got to see Lippizan- nia, Vita ended up horseless in Tex- improve her riding, and she and took ers and Colonel Podhoretz on their as. There she became involved in many lessons from Amanda. Aman- first U.S. tour after the war. Over carriage driving. She bought Pollly, da, realizing that Vita and Cupcake the years, Vita sought riding lessons a small mostly white driving pony. were up in years, suggested they do a whenever there was a stable within Polly had two gaits, fast and whoa Century Ride. Her trail-riding friends biking distance. – both instantaneous. Vita couldn’t also urged her on. As a dry run, Vita Next came a horseless decade say “whoa” unless she really meant and Cupcake did an Intro A test at a involving college, marriage, work, it. Otherwise: whiplash! She and schooling show in 2012. She then did and child-rearing. Finally, with Polly got into driving dressage, the same test for her Century Club double incomes in Virginia, Vita which takes place in a larger arena, ride at the BACH/Topsider Farm decided it was time for horses again. but with patterns similar to ridden October 2013 schooling show. Her Their 7 year-old-son had riding dressage. Vita and Polly went to friends braided Cupcake, provided lessons, and his after-school time driving clinics and driving trials, a bridle and an approved bit for involved caring for ponies; soon he while also enjoying trail riding. Polly Cupcake, outfitted Vita from neck had a pony, then a larger one that would go where no pony had ever to knee in proper attire, and got her Vita could ride. When their son, as gone before and sometimes where to the arena on time. Vita and boys often do, lost interest in riding, none would follow. They enjoyed Cupcake also did Intro. Test B for Vita bought a horse of her own—a 18 wonderful years together. good measure. gray gelding, whose only fault was When Vita wanted to ride again, Since then, Vita has become so a desire to never stop eating. He she found Cupcake, owned by a enthused that she rode a Training could easily canter and graze at the woman in the driving club and Level test in November, and looks same time. trained to drive. About 10 years forward to continuing her dressage Considerably later, her son was ago Cupcake was for sale, but was lessons, and maybe even doing in graduate school, and she was a either too fast for beginners or too more showing.
28 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #152: Rowena Blythe and Du A Dance
Rowena is no Team 152when they stranger to the were in Florida, horse world. Rowena took She began as lessons and had a horseshow Duey trained, mom who resulting the could drive a pair picking truck and pull up ribbons at a horse trailer. many shows. As her inter- Two years est turned to ago, Rowena owning her had to stop own hunter, riding because she continued of pain in her hauling horses back and hips. around, but She hated be- also got into a ing grounded saddle herself. and finally Two horses later, she bought a But even dressage was a struggle found a doctor who could help. 5-year-old Quarter Horse named for her, because Duey was a lot After two hip replacements, she Du A Dance (Duey). Her goal of horse. is happily and proudly back in was to show him at Quarter For several years, the family has the saddle. Horse shows in the Hunter Divi- spent winters in Florida and sum- For their Century Ride, on sion. While they did okay, when mers in New York. When in New October 6th, they rode Intro. Test Duey started bucking her off after York, Duey hung out at their farm A at the Windsong Farms School- jumping fences, she decided to try without being ridden. However, ing Show in Apopka, Florida. dressage.
29 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #153: Kit Carson and Silent Treatment
Kit tells her horsey story: “I Team When153 Willi, the 85 year old dreamed of a life with horses, at woman who owns the facil- four, when we moved to Cali- ity where Miss Hattie boards, fornia in the 40s. When family heard about our upcoming finances became steady, my fa- Century Club ride she de- ther bought a Morgan mare and cided to come out of her riding boarded her at Pickwick Stables retirement and join in. Miss in Burbank, CA. My parents Hattie made history that day, started a riding club, and we set by being the first horse to do a out each Sunday morning riding Century Ride with two rid- for hours in the hills of Griffith ers the same day (see Team Park. I loved it all, but sudden- #154). Both Century Rides ly, my father went into business were on Oct. 20th at the Hoof- and all riding ended. beat Park Schooling Show in In my junior year of college, Healdsburg, CA. I was given King, a retired Long unsuccessfully, as she bucked me Having lessons with Miss Hattie Beach Mounted Police horse. I off and then walked over and put so frequently before our Century tried to ride him after class for two her head on my chest in apology. Ride enabled me to learn and love weeks, but he wouldn’t budge. At that time, I hadn’t known of basic dressage, and also brought Then, one day he took off with me her past abuse and issues about me an increased fitness and con- at a full gallop through the orange being ridden (the previous owner fidence to relax and ride my own groves, trying to buck me into the bought her out of rescue), but Dakota. Our relationship has now trees. I hung onto his mane, riding she was affectionate and a won- expanded to include short weekly bareback with a hackamore, and derful pal, so I set out to have a rides in the outdoor arena, thanks managed to stay on until the relationship with her on the ground. to Janet (an advanced rider and harrowing ride was over. After that I never expected to ride again. deaf friend) who is showing me he was a wonderful mount that I Then at 74, I was introduced to tools to use with this horse. I see rode in the hills and groves several dressage. The horse I learned on is Dakota once or twice a day, every days a week for two years, until an Appendix mare. Her registered week, every year. graduation. name is Silent Treatment, but I have so much more joy, plea- Fast-forward to my being 68, she’s best known as Miss Hattie. sure, and adventure because of when, after years of adventure, At 25 years old, she is steeped my dressage experience with Miss traveling, and working, a horse in experience and has a patient Hattie and my ongoing relation- came my way in need of a person. and wonderful temperament. Our ship with Dakota. How lucky can She was a Draft mix/Warmblood lessons were once a week for five a person be at 75? I’m happy and named Dakota. I somewhat reluc- months before our Century Ride grateful for my life and my associa- tantly said yes, wondering how at when Miss Hattie and I rode Intro tion with these wonderful horses, age 68 I would juggle finances. But Tests A and B. Having been my two dogs and good friends. I’m she whinnied and nickered every first horse show ever I was pleased continuing dressage. Life is so time I visited. I tried riding her, with scores of 67 plus. good.
30 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #154: Willi Hillard and Silent Treatment
As a child, Willi rode any- TeamA bout154 Miss Hattie: thing available from a big Miss Hattie is a registered black mule to a small cranky Appendix Quarter horse that mustang. In her 30s, she had is now 25 years old, and the a gaited horse and went on first horse to do two Cen- to show 5-gaited Saddlebreds tury Club rides in one day. at the Cow Palace in San Twenty-three years ago, Judy Francisco. Later she switched McHerron purchased her as to hunters, showing in the a 2-year-old in Texas, started amateur owner divisions and her under saddle, and sold joining the Los Altos Hounds. her to a student who was a After marrying a polo pony member of the U.S. Pony enthusiast, she had mixed feel- test. Willi could not see the letters Club. The rider went on to ings about that sport, remembering clearly, nor did she understand successfully pass her C3 certifica- playing polo in Palm Beach and the dressage language. Having tion. Then another student took recalling, “I was black and blue someone read the test (Intro Hattie to the USPC National from head to toe from playing with A) frustrated her. So she asked, Eventing Championships at the those ‘mean girls’.” “Can I just ride it like it is a jump Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, When they moved to Healds- course?” Everyone agreed to let and went to pass the B certification burg, California, they purchased her go for it. She trotted straight in Pony Club. a beautiful horse facility, Chalk down the middle to the end, When students were heading off Hill Ranch (CHR) that provided turned right, rode to the other to college, Hattie was put up for a wonderful home for both polo end and made a circle, then, went sale. While on a trip home to visit ponies and hunters. As Willi says, across to the other side to make her mother, Judy was asked “What they’ve “lived happily ever after.” another circle. She really looked would you like for your birthday?” When Willi heard that a student like a pro as she did her Century Jokingly, Judy replied, “A horse, at CHR, Kit Carson, was going Ride! because you never bought me to pair up with Silent Treatment As it was the Halloween school- one as a kid.” So with that, Judy’s (Miss Hattie) and do a Century ing dressage show, where and mom helped purchase Hattie Club Ride, she thought it sounded when the Century Rides took back. Hattie has been a superb like fun and wanted to also partici- place, there was also a costume schooling horse. She seems to pate. So, Judy McHerron, who has class. Willi dismounted Hattie know just what her riders need and taught riding at CHR for 17 years, (bad hip and all) so she could how to take care of them. She has gave Willi a few pointers on riding change into her ‘clown costume,’ taught numerous people of all ages a dressage test. Willi, who is now complete with red nose. She then to ride, from 4-year-olds to 85-year- 85 and had not been on a horse re-mounted Miss Hattie and rode olds. She happily goes on a trail for many years, still looked good in the costume class. The October ride around the vineyard, serves as ever with her leg position and day was beautiful, and so many on two Century Club teams, and, rising trot. However, there was people were inspired by Kit and whenever asked to, jumps still the challenge of learning the Willi’s Century Club rides. any fence.
31 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #155: Helen Stearns and Just Saber
Helen Stearns, now Team 155NBC research projects. widely known as “Mother Contributing to research Stearns,” was born in projects in lameness pre- 1926 in Manchester, New vention and reproduction Hampshire, and raised was always a great learn- in Derry, NH. She grew ing experience for her. up with horses as a way In 1986, Justaplain Farm of life. Her grandfather moved to Cochranville always wanted his family and began specializing in well mounted. She rode orphan foal care, breed- and drove horses from ing, and foaling. Research an early age. One of her and vanning continued fondest memories is until about 2000. driving her mother’s In 1993, two wonderful horse to the blacksmith horses were born—Just shop in Derry. Mindy and Just Saber. Helen graduated from Mindy became Mother Abbot Academy and the Stearns’ personal horse. University of New Hamp- Mindy was a Shire/ shire. She married Ber- Thoroughbred cross that nard Stearns in 1949 and she raised, trained, and had two children: Clif- showed through Prix St. ford, of Conowingo, MD, Georges before Mindy’s and Caroline, also known untimely death in 2005. as “Gert.” years, taking full advantage of In 2006, Mother Stearns started Mother Stearns ran a riding all the learning opportunities it riding Saber, who was retired from school in New Hampshire from provides. She was also a member a very successful dressage career 1956-76; in 1973, Gert joined her of Nashoba Valley Hunt Club, with Gert, who took him through in the horse business, which they competing jumpers, pleasure Grand Prix. named Justaplain Farm. In 1961, horses, and competitive trail horses With some pushing from Gert Mother Stearns started learning along the way. and George Williams, her current and teaching dressage, with Dr. In 1976, Justaplain Farm moved trainer, Mother Stearns and Saber Van Schaik as her first regular to Coatesville, PA. Mother Stea- did their Century Ride, performing dressage trainer. Mother Stearns rns started a small vanning service a First Level test at the Blue Goose was a member of New England for local Thoroughbred breeders, Stable IV show on October 28th. Dressage Association for many and, also became involved with Their combined ages were 106.
32 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #156: Sharon Curran and Slick
When Sharon was three, Teamfinancial 156 and family obliga- she had her picture taken on tions prevented Sharon from a pony. And when his owner developing his full show was leading him away, Sha- potential, despite their having ron ran down the street after thoroughly enjoyed their many him— the start of a life-long years together. Slick’s main horsewoman. job for the last three years has When she was older, Sha- been babysitting a 39-year-old ron rode her bike daily to Arabian, Pappy, who would Green Briar stables, in Arbor get very upset if Slick left the New Jersey, where she worked property. So, for their Century for her riding lessons. She Ride, Sharon arranged for was soon able to exercise the bit of a novelty, given that most of Corinna Scheller Fleming to horses for the trainer, Jean Janner. her clients were Western riders. judge a schooling show at Sharon’s What a fun job! Five years and one more horse place, R Barn Stables. At 14, Sharon was given a later they moved back to New On Oct. 27th with an audience spirited, western broke palomino Jersey, where they renovated a of friends, Slick went down cen- gelding, whom she retrained to small farmhouse, built a barn and terline one last time. This time, English. He became a courageous, had a child. Job relocation for her it wasn’t the test or the score speedy jumper, winning ribbons husband brought a move to Beth- that mattered—it was simply the in open jumper classes. In her lehem, Connecticut, where they privilege of riding down centerline later teens, Sharon worked at renovated a large dairy barn into on her long-time friend. Sharon Clarence Nagros’ Hilltop Stable a house and stables and added reports that many happy memories in New Vernon, NJ. Riding and another child to the family. flooded through her mind, and with showing the sale “greenies” was After twenty-five years of mar- her final salute, she bowed her head a real equestrian education. She riage, they divorced, necessitating and said “Thank You.” also fox hunted on weekends and Sharon’s turning her small horse At the same day and place, received her colors with the Spring business into a career. Currently, there was a Second Century Ride, Valley Hounds. Sharon has her boarding/training as Sharon’s student, Peter Rosow, After two years of art school in barn full of horses, whose owners rode down the centerline to be- NYC during the week, and riding are more friends than clients. come Team # 157. Both horses on the weekends, Sharon married Sharon’s Century Club partner, knew that they were very special, and they moved to a Naval base in Slick, is an off-the-track Thor- dressed in their in their ribbons and California. There she bought and oughbred that she has owned for embroidered coolers form Horze broke a three-year old filly, and 30 wonderful years. Slick could Equestrian. After the show all gave lessons to children and adults. easily switch from trail mode to gathered at the house to celebrate Giving English riding lessons was a show ring presence. However, with a champagne party!
33 Issue 18 / January 2014 The Century Club News
Team #157: Peter Rosow and Hammer
Peter was born and brought Teamon something 157 less dangerous— up in New York City. When he like dressage. was 8, his father, who had been a So, Peter bought a Fourth rider, instructed his mother, who Level dressage horse, Noah, a was terrified of horses, to arrange Dutch Warmblood, and began for Peter to learn to ride. So what turned out to be an ex- every week, his mom took him to cruciatingly difficult, but truly Claremont Riding Academy on exhilarating attempt to master the upper west side. Note that, “the highest expression of horse until about 10 years ago, this fa- training.” cility was Manhattan’s only place Peter says, “I was lucky to to rent a horse and receive riding find Sharon Curran, a talented, instruction. Lessons started in patient and exacting trainer a tiny indoor ring. As soon as here in Connecticut, and “The riders gained some skill and Bills”—Warren and McMullin— confidence, they were shifted onto Mountains, where he joined a two high-level trainers and riders the bridal path in Central Park. group driving cattle and mules for with whom I work in Florida in the Peter rode this way until he was days on end. Think Billy Crystal’s winters.” Peter says, “I am current- 16, when he discovered girls, and “City Slickers.” ly an avid, if not totally competent, temporarily lost his enthusiasm But it wasn’t until Peter was First Level rider.” for horses. retried at 65, and moved to Con- Peter had hoped to do his Meanwhile, Peter went to col- necticut, that he once again was Century Ride with Max, a Thor- lege, worked in Germany for three engaged in the sport he loves. He oughbred Warmblood cross that years, and became a father. In his bought his first horse, Liam, an Peter bought when he was 18, late 20s, he resumed his equestrian Irish Sport Horse, signed up with and owned for over a decade. career at Secor Farms Riding Club, an instructor, regained his rid- But, unfortunately, Max passed a facility in White Plains, New ing and jumping confidence, and away before the Century Ride York. There he refined his riding entered lots of local show jumping was scheduled. Bill and Liz Lasley ability and learned to jump. How- and eventing competitions. kindly offered him their 27- year ever, his job required a great deal As Peter turned 70, Liam devel- old Quarter Horse, Hammer, as of travel, dampened his riding ac- oped arthritis in his shoulder and a replacement. After a few get- tivities, except for occasional peri- entered retirement, while Peter acquainted rides they worked well ods that included trips to a friend’s had his right hip replaced. The together. On October 27th at the ranch in Arizona, riding Western women in his family—his wife, R Barn Stables Schooling show, among picturesque landscapes. Rebecca, and daughter, Anne, Peter and Hammer performed a Another wonderful horsey time saw these as signs from God that Training Level test. Peter said it for Peter was in California’s Sierra he should stop jumping and focus was a wonderful, memorable day.
34 The Century Club News Issue 18 / January 2014
Team #158: Mary Jane Scott and HA Bold Flyer
Mary Jane has ridden most of Teameverything. 158 On windy days, he her life, starting at one year old was almost un-rideable. Mick in the saddle behind her dad on made Mary Jane a timid rider; his Tennessee Walker. Official what she needed was quiet older riding lessons began at six on horse. Thus, Mary Jane found an old Quarter Horse. In high Mick a good home and continued school, she showed in many her search for an Arabian, 15 Saddle Seat Equitation classes. hands or over, and not a gray. After college, she bought her first With a good friend, she drove Arabian that she trained herself all over Florida looking at horses and showed very successfully in that met those requirements, but the Arabian circuit in New Jersey what they found were horses that and Pennsylvania. A 20-year either didn’t know their leads or horseless period followed. had to be run into a canter. In 1986, as a realtor she sold Thus, the search continued, a farm to clients who had Ara- including grays and without the bians. That did it! She bought confirmed, but soon after, Hanna height restriction. a 12-year-old chestnut gelding tore an anular ligament, and was Finally, they found Flyer (HA that she showed in local Arabian retired to motherhood with the Bold Flyer), a 14.3, 17-year-old flea shows. After moving to Florida, woman who had bred her. bitten gray (ugh!) gelding. Flyer she bought an 8-year-old chestnut Next came Jo, a 15.3 half Arab came from a small breeding farm in mare, Hanna, that had only been mare with wonderful gaits. How- South Florida. Mary Jane has never trail ridden. While very sweet ever, she soon let Mary Jane know before owned a horse that wants and relatively sensible, she was that she did not want to be a to please as Flyer does. When they very green and simply could/would dressage horse; she’d much rather would school a new thing one day, not take her right lead. Bruce be a jumper. the next day he remembered what Patti, a horse trainer, came with Next was Mick, an absolutely he had been taught! With that several horses to their barn and gorgeous 15.2 elegantly built wonderful cooperation, Mary Jane offered dressage lessons in return gelding that had been successful brought Flyer from a trail horse for feeding his horses. When she in Arabian shows with some of the that had never had any contact, and Hanna began dressage lessons, best trainers. Mary Jane thought to the perfect Training Level horse Mary Jane felt as if she had never that finally she had found the he is today. ridden before. And because of the perfect Arabian dressage horse! Mary Jane and Flyer performed right lead problem, she thought But Mick was used to being Training Level Test 2 at the Palm that they would be forever stuck schooled in the morning in shel- Beach County Mounted Posse at the Intro level. It took several tered areas. When not in that Show on December 7th, becoming years until Hanna’s right lead was environment, he would spook at the final Team of 2013.
35 The Century Club News
Thank you to the 2013 Century Club Sponsors! We would like to thank the follow- Support the Work of The Dressage ing groups and individuals for their Leave a Legacy financial support of the Century Club Foundation, Now and Later in 2013. Through their generosity, Over the years, we’ve had Can you remember us in your we were able to provide a ribbon and the privilege to work with will or estate plan? plaque to each new team, as well as individuals from all walks of life provide all Century Club members • Charitable Planned who wanted to help us continue with this annual newsletter. Gifts can also provide sig- our work, both now and for nificant benefits to you and to Alamo Dressage Association many years to come. Outright the Foundation. These types Alpha Dressage Association donations (cash, check or credit of gifts can be part of your Arkansas Valley Dressage Association card) and their tax benefits are estate planning. Charitable Birmingham Dressage & Combined well known, and any amount Remainder Trusts can be Training Association enables us to do more for used to place cash or property Marilyn Cantey dressage. into a trust paying an annual Central Florida Dressage In addition, there are other income to you or another Dancing Horse Dressage & Combined ways you can give that will beneficiary with significant tax Training help preserve the sport that we advantages. Charitable Lead Sherry Guess all love: Trusts can be used to provide Kansas Dressage & Eventing • Outright gifts of a fixed amount to the Founda- Kentucky Dressage Association stock can be beneficial in tion for a term of years, with Lower Puget Sound Dressage Club some situations. Highly-ap- the assets passing back to you Nebraska Dressage Association preciated stock is often subject at the end of the term. NEWDA Eastern Chapter to capital gains tax. By donat- North Carolina Dressage & Combined If you would like more infor- ing this stock, you can gain a Training Association mation, please contact Jenny charitable income tax deduc- Oregon Dressage Society Johnson at (402) 434-8585 to tion as well as avoiding capital Potomac Valley Dressage Association learn more about the different gains tax. Southwest Florida Dressage ways to give and the benefits of Association • Bequests are also a simple each. We also encourage you Libby Stokes way to designate a gift or to discuss these ideas with your STRIDE portion of your estate to accountant or financial planner Virginia Dressage – Northern Chapter The Dressage Foundation. before completing the gift. Virginia Dressage – Southeast Chapter Wisconsin Dressage & Combined Training Association The Dressage Foundation Are you inspired by the seniors of 1314 ‘O’ Street, Suite 305 Lincoln, NE 68508 our sport? Consider sponsoring the Phone: (402) 434-8585 Century Club – donations are welcome Fax: (402) 436-3053 at any time! Call Jenny Johnson at Email: [email protected] (402) 434-8585 for details. www.dressagefoundation.org
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