Team #799 Melon Purcell and Lightning
Photo by Bethany P Photography
Team #799: Melon Purcell and Lightning
From: Homer, Alaska
Ages: 71 & 29
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level Test 1
I have been on a life-long journey with horses. I spent my teens learning how to ride in an arena in upstate New York. I was never taught much about horse care or dressage. When I got my first horse, a good-looking Tennessee Walker named Apple, I rode outside the confines of an arena, and we explored the woods and fields. I kept him in a cow pasture and the local feed store taught me about dewormers. It wasn’t until I moved to Alaska years later that I was introduced to proper horse care through the local Pony Club. Many of the youth members took great pleasure in teaching me horse management! I was also introduced to dressage and learned to love working in an arena again. Through frequent input from visiting instructors and friends, I continue to grow as a rider and trainer and hope to continue to learn all the days of my life.
However, the real celebration of this Century Club ride goes to my horse, Lightening. He is a cute, hardy, 14.3 hand black Morgan cross, born and bred in Homer, Alaska. At age 29, he is still a regular Pony Club mount. He and his Pony Club rider competed in their first dressage show in June of this year, winning three first place ribbons in the Intro tests. Last fall he successfully completed a D3 Hunter Seat Certification - in the pouring rain with standing water in the arena. He gives his all to the youth who ride him, and it has been my privilege to have owned and cared for him. Together we made a great 100-year-old team!
