Team #617 Marta Airala and Avanti of Cedar Lane

Team #617: Marta Airala and Avanti of Cedar Lane
From: Miami, Florida
Ages: 84 & 22
Combined Age: 106
Test: Introductory Level Test C
Date: February 25, 2023

I am humbled and honored to become a member of The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club.  Growing up in Argentina, my father had polo ponies but did not encourage me to ride because he wanted me to focus on my studies.  I became a physician and moved to the United States where I opened my practice, married, and had children. My children must have inherited my love for horses because they became interested at a very young age and began taking lessons and competing in shows.   

Although my children and grandchildren are now all avid equestrians, it was not until I retired as a physician after 52 years of practice that I would finally have the chance to ride. At 83, I began taking dressage lessons with my trainer Kati Dagge, and my Haflinger stallion Avanti of Cedar Lane. Avanti is the ultimate schoolmaster and when I decided to start learning dressage, he was the one I felt safe to ride. Kati worked with me on the fundamentals and helped give me the confidence and courage to continue.  

I trust Avanti.  He knows me and takes care of me. He is my “soul” companion. When we ride, I feel free. He has given me the chance to fulfill something I felt had been missing in my life, perhaps I have had this feeling for my whole life. Dressage as a sport has helped me immensely. It has strengthened my body and mind. I like to tell people that Avanti and dressage are my therapy. Being able to participate in the Century Club ride gave me a great feeling of accomplishment and the fact that I was able to do it on my brave little Haflinger made it even more special.