Team #678 Gail Wegner and Eddie
Team #678: Gail Wegner and Eddie
From: Munster, Indiana
Ages: 75 & 32
Combined Age: 107
Test: Introductory Level Test A
Date: August 5, 2023
My horseback riding experience was limited to pony riding at carnivals and a few trail rides. I was always attracted to English hunt pictures and thought someday, I am going to learn English saddle riding. It took me 72 years to finally reach this dream! Achieving educational objectives and working as a Nurse and University Professor and family life were a priority.
When I retired from the professions of Nursing and University teaching, I received a gift of Midsomer Murder Mysteries DVDs from my brother, Jerry. Watching people ride English saddle through the English villages, captivated and reawakened my desire. At the age of 72, I began taking English riding lessons at Hannaberry Farm in Crete, Illinois, under the guidance of barn owner and trainer Denise Berry-Hannah. I began gradually, becoming more confident, and eventually taking weekly lessons. Despite a health issue that prevented me from riding for nine months, I continued to take lessons several times a month.
I consider myself a novice at dressage and as a member of the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association (IDCTA), have participated in a few schooling shows. I am still passionate about improving my abilities and hope to continue riding for a long time. I learned about the Century Club from Denise, and she encouraged me to achieve this goal. I am grateful for the assistance and support from Denise, Dave, her husband, and the barn staff and riders.
I rode Edvin (Eddie) who is a 32-year-old Norwegian Fjord for my Century Club ride. Bred in Wyoming by Nancy’s Fjord Horses, Eddie has been at Hannaberry Farm since 2005. He has done it all in trail, hunt seat, dressage, jumping, and eventing. Now at his age, semi-retired, he does lower level dressage with young and older riders. Eddie and I participated in the Century Club Ride together on Aug. 5, 2023, at Hannaberry Farm’s IDCTA Dressage & Combined Training Schooling Show. Thank you, The Dressage Foundation, for providing Eddie and I with the opportunity to join the Century Club.
