751 - Kenneth Meisler and Skip

Team #751 Kenneth Meisler and Skip

Team #751: Kenneth Meisler and Skip  
From: New York, New York 
Ages: 75 & 25 
Combined Age: 100 
Test: First Level Test 2 

I did not ride until I was 45, when my daughters, who were taking lessons at Green Heron Farm in New York, dared me to join. After my first lesson, I was hooked. My daughters stopped after the summer, but I continued riding every weekend with instructor Roberta Jackson, focusing on dressage, jumping, and driving. After a year, I was thrilled to lease one of Roberta’s Morgans, Sally Courageous. 

In 2001, I bought Skip (MacHenry Davinci), a two-year-old Morgan. We began our journey with driving and later riding. Despite his 15.2 hand frame, Skip comfortably carried my 190 pounds. Over the years, I slowly improved in riding and driving, though it took me a decade to feel comfortable with the sitting trot and another five years for shoulder-in. We participated in various activities, especially dressage and driving. 

At age six, Skip had an accident that required his right eye to be removed. Despite this, he adapted well and remained calm. At around 20, he faced several health issues, including a tendon tear, Cushing’s disease, insulin resistance, and laminitis. After two years of treatment, he fully recovered and has been injury-free for over two years. 

I eagerly anticipated our Century Club ride, which we completed in May. At 75, and with Skip turning 25, our First Level Test 2 ride was particularly rewarding. Although we’re both aging, our rides remain enjoyable and fulfilling. My daughters’ children are now starting to ride, and I hope they’ll soon experience Skip. I look forward to showing again in the fall and have added riding a dressage schoolmaster and attending the LA Olympics in 2028 to my bucket list. Our 23-year partnership with Skip is still going strong.