820 - Ruth McCormick and Feine Dame

Team #820 Ruth McCormick and Feine Dame

Team #820: Ruth McCormick and Feine Dame 
From: Pompton Plains, New Jersey 
Ages: 73 & 27 
Combined Age: 100 
Test: First Level Test 1 

After riding sporadically as a child, I started riding at age 40 after a friend asked me “What have you done for yourself lately?” I immediately knew the answer. That week I signed up for a lesson at a local barn and bought paddock boots and a helmet. My husband of sixteen years, Mack, had no idea I was obsessed with horses. Shortly after that first ride, there were two lessons a week and then three. I bought my first horse five years later! It was wonderful to make riding friends and de-stress from my career in human resources in New York City. 

Now retired, I ride several days a week. My 27-year-old mare Joy (Feine Dame) has been my partner for 16 years and for the Century Club ride. We have shown at Third Level, but I no longer ask her for lateral work or changes, although she will offer them. I also have an upper-level gelding.  

Now married fifty years, Mack continues to encourage my riding and understands the joy (no pun intended) that it brings me! Thank you to TDF for its support of the Century Club program, a great reason to celebrate continuing to ride!