Team #718 Nancy Mangum and Canequin's Local Hero
Team #718: Nancy Mangum and Canequin's Local Hero
From: South Burlington, Vermont
Ages: 71.5 & 28.5
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level, Test 1
Date: October 29, 2023
A rocking horse for Christmas made me horse crazy! I was not from a horsey family and my family was of limited financial means. I was limited to pony rides at the fair and Frontier Town. At age 10, I hit the jackpot after a family move ended up being near Starr Farm Stables in Burlington, VT. Off I went begging to ride! Carl & Marion Klandl owned a few Morgans and Saddlebreds. Over the next 10 years, I was a “barn rat” who learned all aspects of horse care, worked in hay fields, rode, drove, jumped, did competitive trail riding, was in 4-H, and showed UVM Kingsman successfully on the Vermont circuit and in Morgan shows. I was also able to take lessons (hunt seat) from Carl Bessette. Later, I had Thoroughbreds, showed hunters, and did a little eventing.
In the 70s, I had two knee surgeries and developed hip problems due to rheumatoid arthritis I had since age two. I returned to the breed I trusted most - the Morgan horse. I found a great two-year-old and trained him before my hips were replaced at age 29. After my doctor said I had to stop riding. I made it clear I would not do that, so I decided to go into dressage. He made it clear I needed to change careers. Back at college, I went to get a master’s in social work at UVM. Over the next several years I would own a few nice Morgans.
Fast forward to 1999 when I bought a coming four-year-old big, black, handsome gelding named Canequin’s Local Hero, I was an adult amateur who was very motivated to train Hero myself and go as far as I could up the dressage levels. I took weekly lessons and rode in many clinics. Hero’s charming personality and eager beaver attitude made him a fun partner on our amazing journey. Despite multiple layoffs over the years after more surgeries we always bounced back! Amazingly, he adjusted to my shortcomings.
We earned many USEF, AMHA, MDA, and USDF All-Breed Awards at multiple levels. We earned our USDF bronze and silver medals and a Performance Certificate at Intermediate. Hero has truly been my hero and the best partner I could ask for. We were progressing well with piaffe and passage with the hope of going further. Then, one of my hips dislocated and I developed nerve pain in my neck, so it was time to stop some movements and change goals. While I still ride Hero some, I have shifted my goals to training my young Morgan.
A huge thank you to Liz Austin, Lori Barnard, Joy Congdon, Pam Goodrich, and Catie Waterman who have all helped me over the years. I rode with Anne Gribbons in a few clinics and am grateful that she inspired me to reach for the FEI levels. She loved Hero and his great work ethic!
In conclusion, Hero and I performed our Century Club ride at Destiny Morgan Farm on October 29, 2023. My Destiny family and many friends from the community were present to help us celebrate. A party, with show photos iced on cakes, and 100 lit candles was enjoyed by all. It was a memorable occasion!
Thank you to The Dressage Foundation for providing this amazing opportunity to join the Century Club and to honor my amazing Hero.
