847 - Roberta Haskin and Ellie

Team #847 Roberta Haskin and Ellie

Team #847: Roberta Haskin and Ellie 
From: Barre, Vermont 
Ages: 71 & 29 
Combined Age: 100 
Test: WDAA Introductory Level Test 1 

I always loved horses and as a young teen had lessons at a local stable.  Due to where we lived and finances, having a horse as a kid wasn’t an option.  As I got older, school, college, marriage, and work took over and I would occasionally ride a friend’s horse or ride while on vacation.   

When I turned 58, I decided if I was going to get back into it, it was now or never.  I started lessons at a local barn, bought my first horse at age 60, a Morgan mare and a few years later Ellie (Understate L’egance), a registered Paint and 21 years old.  I did some shows with the Morgan and sadly she passed at age 17 in 2022.   

Ellie was my trail horse and to be my retirement project. Putter around the arena and easy rides on the road!  I also made many new horse friends, from teens to adults, and they encouraged me to keep riding.  It’s rewarding to come full circle, and have horses be part of my later life.  Though I didn’t score well on the test I am proud that I got in the saddle, showed up and did it at age 71 and Ellie at 29! Thank you for recognizing seniors!