Team #643 Pamela Pirkle and Pescador ESF

Photo by Aston Kingsley

Team #643: Pamela Pirkle and Pescador ESF
From: Mission Viejo, California
Ages: 79 & 22
Combined Age: 101
Test: Training Level Test 1
Date: May 21, 2023

I've been a horse addict for as long as I can remember.  For years I begged my parents for a horse to no avail. At age 14, while working at a rental stable, I negotiated to buy my first horse, Warrior, for $250. He was unfit to be used as a rental string horse, hence the name.  He turned out to be a wonderful, calm trail horse, that any kid could ride. After that, except for college, marriage, and two babies, I've had at least one horse.  

I began showing dressage 26 years ago. When I was 65, and feeling my age, I knew it was time to give up, shall we say, the hotter mounts.  As I searched for a partner, the breed or sex was not important, but for one that was athletic, kind-hearted, and level-headed. I certainly was not expecting a young Andalusian stallion to be my lifetime equine partner.  Lucero (aka Pescador ESF) was way beyond what I ever could have dreamed of.  I regularly declare that he is my dream horse!   

In his earlier years, both with me and his trainer at that time, we won at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels, numerous local, regional, and national awards.  

For the past 13 years, we've been with our friend and trainer, Susan Hoffman Peacock, who has brought Lucero to Grand Prix and has successfully shown him through Intermediate 2. This was during times when I was seriously ill. During those years, I never gave up my plan to ride again, and much of my motivation to regain my health and fitness came from my focus on our Century Club ride. On May 3rd, 2023, we achieved our goal. It was a wonderful, challenging experience way beyond my expectations.  We were treated like royalty by the California Dressage Society Santa Barbara County Chapter at the Earl Warren Show Grounds including flowers, a cake, and a barbecue celebration. 

I greatly appreciate this wonderful opportunity and thank The Dressage Foundation for everything.