Elizabeth Gathright and Pearl (VA)
Team #860: Elizabeth Gathright and Pearl
From: Batesville, Virginia
Ages: 84 & 20
Combined Age: 104
Test: WDAA Introductory Level Test 2
The Century Club is a very special achievement for so many of us senior riders. This was my second time. I am old enough to have learned to ride on cavalry horses, and never really stopped except to spell my activity while my late husband was in a bad way. After that, I have spent a good deal of time in Texas where I found a teaching stable with quiet older horses and staff that was understanding to get me back into the saddle. The ladies at The Dressage Foundation put me on by quoting me in print, by name, in the ‘23 magazine. “At 82, try something new”.
So, for something new, I joined the Western Dressage Association of America and elected to do their Introductory Level Test 2. Meanwhile, I discovered a wonderful mount in Maxximillion, a 17 hand Westphalian whose age and experience suited my situation perfectly. Our first possibility got rained out, but the Dry Creek Barn’s Fun Day event on March 8 was to be our time.
EXCEPT, that morning, Maxx was not feeling well. Fortunately, there was Pearl, a registered Quarter Horse whose age fulfilled my requirement. Although we had never met, she proved to be a highly suitable substitute, and we did our ride pretty well for two older girls. My goal is to encourage older riders to continue. Why should kids have all the fun?
Thank you to Dry Creek Barn (Bellville, TX) for allowing me to borrow Pearl and helping me complete my second Century Club ride!
