Team #801 Joanna Stamm and Avenger
Team #801: Joanna Stamm and Avenger
From: Topeka, Kansas
Ages: 83 & 25
Combined Age: 108
Test: Introductory Level Test B
My horse, Avenger (Vengie) is a Dutch Warmblood sired by Avenir. I purchased Avenger when he was eleven in 2010. He is now 25 and has been a companion for fourteen years. I am 83 years old.
In March 2024, just prior to plans for our dressage show, Vengie developed a lymphoma wrapped around his colon which required surgical removal at the Kansas State University Veterinary Hospital. Following the surgery, Vengie had one month of stall rest, one month small turnout, and one month in the pen with his soulmate and our other horse, Poco. Vengie has been back at work (dressage lessons) since June with a reduced schedule.
Vengie has an unusual personality. We have nicknamed him “Houdini” because of his uncanny ability to open his stall door – no matter how secure it is and run free on the grounds of the Topeka Round-Up Club, which is his home. At Kansas State University, he unlocked the door to his stall and greeted his new four-legged friends in the neighboring stalls until he was discovered.
Given his surgery, my initial plan was to ride Poco in the dressage show. However, the show was moved to a later date which allowed me to show Vengie in walk/trot classes. What joy to ride my beloved steed. We have not shown Vengie a lot, so this was a meaningful challenge and a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Century Club.
Thank you for the honor of being a member of the Century Club.
