Team #750 Nikki Soich and Strauss
Photo by A.J.S.K. Photography
Team #750: Nikki Soich and Strauss
From: Morro Bay, California
Ages: 75 & 25
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level Test 1
I achieved my Century Club ride on my horse, Strauss, who is now 25 years old. I have owned Strauss since he was six years old. I bought him for myself but quickly discovered that he was tremendously talented. My trainer at the time, Cyndi Jackson, took him to Grand Prix. Later, Charlotte Bredahl trained and competed with him.
Strauss has introduced me to too many wonderful dressage experiences to name. In 1999, he was the #1 Dutch Warmblood foal. In 2010, He was #4 in Dutch Warmblood Intermediate 1. In 2011, he was third in the Dutch Warmblood Grand Prix and #8 FEI Horse of the Year. Probably the best memory I have is flying Strauss to Gladstone for the Festival of the Horse. Strauss and I thank all his friends and trainers for the exciting life we have had together.
Strauss eventually convinced me that he was done with showing. He had retired for five years before the show. After all this time, I tacked him up and he was sound and ready to go. Maybe too ready to go! My thanks to all our supporters at the show and the wonderful California Central Coast dressage community. Strauss is back to being retired and I am currently working with my Grand Prix horse, Nimbus. Here’s to dressage at any age!
