Team #782 Sara Egan and Charlie
Team #782: Sara Egan and Charlie
From: Prior Lake, Minnesota
Ages: 74 & 26
Combined Age: 100
Test: Introductory Level Test B
My Incredible Life with Charlie
My journey with Charlie has spanned many chapters, each marked by significant changes and challenges.
Chapter one begins in Ramona, California, where I first met Charlie after my mare Nora developed navicular. I was drawn to Charlie, who had been in dressage training for only two weeks. Though originally bred for Western disciplines, he showed promise in dressage, and we quickly became partners. At four years old, buying Charlie was one of the best decisions I ever made.
We shared numerous adventures, from competing in dressage events to trail riding in the Cuyamaca mountains. However, in 2007, our lives were disrupted by the Witch Creek fire, which destroyed our ranch and led to one of the largest horse evacuations in San Diego County history. Charlie was evacuated to the Del Mar fairgrounds, where I visited him daily. His presence was a source of comfort during those dark days. We decided not to rebuild and moved to a lake home in northern Minnesota.
Chapter two saw Charlie adjusting to life at Benvelle Equestrian Center in Minnesota. Despite initial difficulties with the cold weather, he eventually adapted. We enjoyed new friendships, trail rides, and schooling shows until he fractured his right coffin bone during a lesson. Thanks to the quick actions of Dean and Brianna Visser, he recovered and returned to light riding, only to later injure his left hind tendon. With time and care, he healed again.
Chapter three began in 2018 when we moved to Prior Lake, Minnesota. Charlie found his forever home at Maple Leaf Equestrian and began lessons with trainer Shannon Antonakis. Despite all he’s been through, Charlie has never given up. I’m thrilled to ride him for our Century Club ride, a dream come true. This ride is dedicated to Charlie and all our friends along the way.
For Chapter Four, Charlie might even star as George Washington’s horse, Nelson, in an upcoming 2025 film. But for now, he enjoys lazy days in the pasture with friends Vinny, Bud, and Maverick.
