Team #199
3 Generations, Thomas, Sarah and Sydney
Thomas Faylor, born and raised in Michigan, graduated from Albion College in 1953. He was a teacher and counselor for many years and started his own construction business in retirement. After losing his beloved wife, Alice, in 2011, Thomas decided at age 80 there was no better time to pursue his lifelong dream of being a “cowboy.”
Today, known to many (well, really all) as Grandpa Faylor, he can be found wearing a cowboy hat, a snazzy button down shirt and leather silver buckled belt to match. His granddaughter, Sydney (24), has been involved with horses her whole life, and Grandma and Grandpa Faylor never missed any of her 4-H shows, equestrian team meets or dressage shows. At their first 4-H show, Grandpa Faylor was amazed; he believed the horses were responding to what the announcer was saying over the PA. To him, it looked like the riders did nothing… he now knows otherwise.
Grandpa Faylor started his cowboy career at Sleepy Hollow Equestrian Center with his trainer, Leah Yurasek. He typically arrives to his lesson, at least 30 min early, with a bag of carrots, bagged lunches, and scotcheroos for anyone at the barn. And, of course, he is always dressed to the nines. Using his construction skills, he has built a 4-step mounting block with a railing, and a new bridge that leads to the outdoor arena. He has embraced the cowboy lifestyle to the fullest.
His current mount, Wildmoon (Moon), a Morgan who has now lived at Sleepy Hollow for 19 years, holds a special place in the Faylor family’s hearts. As Sydney’s childhood mount, and Sarah (his daughter-in law) and Grandpa Faylor’s current mount, Moon has now taught three generations of the family.
To complete his century ride, Grandpa Faylor had his debut show experience at the Sleepy Hollow Equestrian Center Show riding a Western Dressage Test. There were a lot of tears along with cheers. Grandpa Faylor has spent his life supporting others and now it was his time to shine. He and Moon had a very successful ride, receiving the high score of the show! Now that he has conquered Western Dressage, his next goal is to spend time out west on a ranch riding the range.
As he always says, “Stand tall in the saddle and happy trails!” And remember, you’re never too old to become a cowboy.
