Team #715 Robin Carnes and Maestoso II Gabriola

Team #715: Robin Carnes and Maestoso II Gabriola
From: Olympia, Washington
Ages: 80 & 23
Combined Age: 103
Test: Training Level Test 1
Date: October 14, 2023

I was a horse-crazy kid, galloping and jumping hurdles on all fours around the house. I longed for a horse of my own but as the oldest of 10 children, there was very little opportunity. After settling in Olympia, Washington, in 1973, with husband and two kids, we finally purchased that promised horse, a three-year-old half Arabian to keep free of charge at a friend's barn. I got hooked on eventing and wanted a more capable mount. We found Toby, a Tennessee Walker/draft horse, ex-Pony Club mount, and a good jumper.

My husband and son had no horse interest but supported my fascination and my daughter's interest. She and I did lots of Pony Clubbing and eventing together, sharing Toby at one point. We switched our focus to dressage after experiencing an improvement in the rideability of our horses. I owned a variety of horses before finding Blue Cheers, a small but talented Thoroughbred. He was a lovely kind horse that took me through the levels to Intermediate I, earning my USDF bronze and silver medals (plus one score towards a gold medal). I wanted to see how far we could go, even to the "top hat" level and we did it! After losing Cheers to colic, I had a warmblood with wonderful gaits but just too lazy and too much work for me. I then purchased Ciro, a young Swedish Warmblood/Thoroughbred bred at Miari Stables in Olympia where I've been riding with my trainer, Kari McClain, for over 40 years. Ciro and I competed through Intermediate I, and Kari showed him at Grand Prix. He became a super FEI schoolmaster and was so much fun to ride! He retired due to injury but lived to age 30.

I'd heard of the Century Club but was unable to accomplish this with Ciro. Fortunately, for the last six years, I have had the opportunity to ride Leopold (owned by Deena McClain) who is an unflappable 23-year-old Lipizzaner school horse and tolerates my miscues and inabilities. Aging is not for the faint of heart. What used to come so easily is more and more difficult and frustrating. I work hard at keeping as fit and flexible as I can, not just to fight usual age-related problems but to minimize developing neurologic issues. In fact, riding has acted as physical therapy, helping with balance, coordination, strength, and stamina. I am still at the barn five days per week and have no plans to stop!

Kari McClain and Rachel Marie of Miari Stables hosted a mini show, judged by Anne Appleby, a USDF “S” level judge, to allow two Century Club riders to qualify. It was an incredibly generous offer of time and effort to organize, for which we're deeply grateful. Many thanks to all my friends and family for the years of support and encouragement, especially my husband, Roger.