Team #754 Kathy Maylin and Beau
Team #754: Kathy Maylin and Beau
From: Sebastopol, California
Ages: 71 & 29
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level Test 2
Together for nearly 20 years, my Morgan/Holsteiner cross gelding, Charbonneau (better known as Beau!), and I reached a milestone this year by qualifying for the Century Club ride. On a beautiful day in May 2024, we celebrated the special occasion surrounded by friends and family.
At 29, Beau remains my active partner on trails, beach rides, and dressage lessons. Much of our journey, however, was dedicated to training for and competing in three-day eventing — up to the Preliminary level — quite a feat for a pair of true amateurs! We retired from competition when Beau was 18, but we continued schooling dressage and stadium jumping for years afterward, as he made it abundantly clear that he was not ready to hang up his sport horse title.
Although Beau started his career as a dressage prospect, an astute trainer quickly recognized his passion for jumping — galloping over a cross-country course was even better. Throughout our years of eventing, Beau never took a false step or refused a jump. With his ears always pricked forward, he eagerly devoured every course, always ready for more.
Preparing for and completing the Century Club ride was a true delight and a deeply meaningful testament to our ongoing partnership. My sincere thanks to The Dressage Foundation, the California Dressage Society - Marin Chapter, and Cynthia Hall at Woodbridge Farm for creating such a wonderful experience.
