Submitted by Heidi Gage: As we all know, life, family and a career come first for so many of us women for many years. When I turned 50, I committed to “allowing” myself some “me” time and I leased a horse, found a dressage trainer nearby and started lessons once again. For my 53rd birthday, I bought my holsteiner gelding who was 5 yrs old and was broken and trained by my trainer. Two years later we are starting to compete - this picture is of us at our first show this year - first dressage test I’ve ridden in about 40 yrs! Dressage has challenged me physically and mentally more than almost anything in my life. I’m more body-aware and committed to health and wellness through Pilates for my pursuit of dressage. Learning how to correct my crookedness (scoliosis) and become a better rider. Plus I’ve found my heart horse - he’s young but such a sweetheart; patient and willing. Looking forward to the many years of riding we have in front of us!
USDF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! In November & December, we are shining the spotlight on riders who have also reached this milestone. Follow along all through November and December for inspiring and heartwarming stories of trials and triumphs, and fabulous photo galleries!
Earned Vintage award this year with #TaprootStrikeGold. Was eligible for it for a few years but didn’t know it started at 50! Glad you are making others aware – Sonya H.Grandmothers Club – Regina C.Myself and my broodmare, Bamba. We earned my bronze and all but one PSG score for silver in 2021, when I was 53. – Kendra H.I’m 54 and Sheradin’s Timeless (Danny) is my first (and prob only) horse. I rode and showed Morgan horses as a teenager, but then life forced a 25 year pause in my riding adventures. 13 years ago I bought Danny! We’ve had many ups and downs (including him nearly dying and spending more than a year rehabbing) and I’m always grateful for him. In this photo we’re showing at the National Dressage Pony Cup show last summer. – Anna C.Moved my mare to a new barn last weekend and saved inaugural ride for turkey day. I’m 68 and Rosie is 23. Just had cateract surgery last week so first ride with new eyeballs, too. I’ve been riding dressage since the dark ages of the 1980s. – Jeh-neigh G.Finnick V won the Trakehner ribbon, He is 15 and I, 57. – Laurie V.I fell in love with dressage last year at the age of 51. This is my last show (10/28) with this amazing boy. He has since crossed the rainbow bridge — the best teacher I’ve ever had. Photo credit – Swita Photography. – Kate I.Tribunal HB – Andrea W.I’m 51 and riding my horse Bentley. Started dressage 5 years ago and enjoying every minute of it. – Mary M.-H.65 with my ❤️ pony – Kelli A.My gelding Sir Kingsley 🦄 – Heather N.My main man Marshall ❤️ – Keirsten R.Falcon and I finishing my bronze freestyle bar 🎼 – Spokane Sport Horse FarmMy PRE Modico G! 🦄 – Carol D.I’m 55 years old and compete with my PRE breeding stallion Feliz du Carel. We are number one 2023 USDF Vintage Cup All Breed for PRE at Second Level. We were also number one in our division in 2022 at First Level. – Feliz du Carel PRE Breeding Stallion (Sharmane K.)I’m 68 and my wonderful Grand Prix Friesian is 16. – Lynn P.– Suzanne E.Still loving all there is to learn #65 – Janet Y.I am 58 years old. I am just getting back from the AQHA World Show! We were 3rd place! – Ellen H.Me and Mocha-my homebred mare by Freestyle out of Leah by Roemer. We earned my bronze and silver usdf medals and BLM champions at 3rd level in 2018 and at 4th and PSG in 2020. Qualified for regionals at I-1 in 2022 and then paused so Mocha could have a baby in 2023. Looking forward to 2024! – Mary M.Taking home the 2022 Region 9 Schooling Show Championship in INTRO at the young age of 53! And I was more excited than any of the kids out there! – Lisa G. Freetime and I . Bob Conklin photo – Anne Z.Me and my beautiful mare Wisteria. – Cyndi W.I’m 63 and my boy is 21 (63 human yrs). Still keeping the challenge. – Sari W.67 riding my 14 year old mare Dahlia Ace. – Lynn D.55 riding my 26 year old. – Michelle K.I am 80. Jazze is an 18 year old Arabian that I have shown through Fourth Level, Test 1. I am with my Bichon, Shadow. I am still riding and taking lessons, working on Fourth Level movements. I plan to do my Century Ride in June as I will be 81 and Jazze 19! – Ingrid G.This is me (70 yrs old) and Lucianno (10 yrs old). This was this last summer. – Susan G.
[…] In November & December, we are shining the spotlight on riders who have also reached this milestone. Follow along all through November and December for inspiring and heartwarming stories of trials […]
I’m 77 my girl is 20! Looking forward to this wonderful moment. Started late, but finishing with lots of fun!!
[…] In November & December, we are shining the spotlight on riders who have also reached this milestone. Follow along all through November and December for inspiring and heartwarming stories of trials […]