Team #780 Maryann Maggiacomo and Hemingway 5
Team #780: Maryann Maggiacomo and Hemingway 5
From: Ocala, Florida
Ages: 75 & 29
Combined Age: 104
Test: Training Level Test 1
As a horse-crazy kid growing up in Mountainside, New Jersey, I faithfully watched all horse-related shows like My Friend Flicka, Fury, Roy Rodgers, etc. I read all the Walter Farley, Marguerite Henry, and Anna Sewell books.
Finally, I was seven and could begin taking lessons at the county-run Watchung Stables in Summit. Until graduating high school, it was my home away from home. As a typical “barn rat,” I did chores to get free rides and rode and showed instructors’ and others’ horses in pleasure, equitation, and hunter classes.
College, marriage, work, and family consumed my life until I was 42. I decided I was finally able to get back into riding. Again, I began taking riding lessons, and at age 52, I bought Hemingway 5, aka Bud, in 2002. We began our eventing career and competed in Beginner Novice through Training Level along the East Coast under the tutelage of my trainer, Lynn Coates-Holmes. Bud and I spent part of the winter first in Aiken, South Carolina, and for the past ten years in Ocala, Florida.
We also competed in local jumper shows, rode on beaches, and began fox hunting. I was awarded my colors from the Tanhealth Hunt.
It was now time for another “bucket list” item to be achieved – to become a member of the Century Club.
I was fortunate to find my horse of a lifetime. Hopefully, Bud and I will have more years together.
