Submitted by Katie Patton: I'm 62 and finally earned my bronze medal on my current heart horse, a 10 year old Hanoverian mare. It was a long journey, with several horses, two total hip replacements and a divorce. I kept falling short until I bought "Fae" from my trainer as a 4 year old. We are truly a match made in heaven because we have the same birthday - May 11. I feel age is just a number. And see a silver medal in my future!
Wine, art, some cheeses, and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on #YourDressage throughout the month of March!
We recently asked our social media followers to help us celebrate the Vintage Cup and Masters Challenge-aged riders, and those aging gracefully as they guide the next generations of dressage riders across the country by sharing a photo for a chance to be featured in an upcoming gallery. Check out some of the senior superstars and their dressage partners!
Jovee Mercedez. My 16 year old WelshX, now training 3rd level. I was not having a mare. Now wouldn’t trade her for a million dollars. Planning on her being my Century Club ride in another 8 years.
– Kelli A.My half draft Levi as we just finished a 1st level ride last year…he was 12 and I was 73. He started life as an Amish plow horse but came to me when he was 4. It’s been a journey…. frustrating at times but truly wonderful. – Susan R.This is a photo of my mom, a USDF rider who has a very special (70th) birthday this summer! Her dream is to win Vintage Cup or Masters Challenge on a personal horse. She rides Thoroughbreds and Arabians of all ages!
Pictured here at Waterloo Hunt Club, Region 2 with Nicolet, an OTTB she rescued. Photo by USDF Region 2 member Dagmar Ford
– Claire D.I was 52, she was 3🤩
Almost 3 years later we are ready for the Vintage Cup 🥳
– Shoshana B.I’m riding Xatia, 5 year old PRE mare. We are beginning our partnership in dressage.
– Yvette C.At 65 years old, I did my first Grand Prix test on my 23 year old Lusitano stallion, Xerez. Xerez was retired right after this ride. – Janice C.Riding one of the two full sisters I bred, trained, and show at GP, Quilla (Freestyle x Sambuca-Sack) after bringing their mother to PSG, coming on 61.
– Shareen M.I am 57 years old. I have been riding for 50 years but only dressage for the last 15 to 20 years. I got this mare for free seven years ago. I never thought she would be a dressage horse because she’s just a grade quarter horse. Slowly we’ve moved up the levels and now we are getting ready to show prix-St. George. I’ve learned so much with her and I am really enjoying the journey. We are going to try and get to Grand Prix someday. I am hoping we can both stay sound enough to someday do the century ride 😊 – Wendy M.Century Club ride last year on Bright Cloud, 76 now
– Alice M.My section D welsh cob Ianto and I are just dipping our toes in at 4th level and having an absolute blast. He’s my fountain of youth at 55 years young 🥰🤩 proud to be representing the Vintage Cup! – Beth N. Check out Beth and Ianto’s adventures in “Ianto: My Gift from God”!I’m about to turn 53 and my pony is 23. I got him when he was 9. He was 300lbs overweight and had no muscle! Lots of exercise, diet , and training followed. My goal when I got him was to show first level. Despite a splint bone fracture and a diagnosis of PSSM1 a few years ago, we have completed our first and second level scores toward our Bronze medal. We missed our third level scores last season by a half a point, and then he sustained a suspensory injury that we are currently rehabbing, and hoping to be able to return to the show ring in some capacity later this year. Photo is from NDPC a few years ago where we did compete at third level. – Susan S.Bought this boy as a green 4 year old, I planned to show up to 2nd level. Pic is from last year National Dressage Pony Cup where we earned our silver medal in one amazing weekend. Colic surgery, coffin bone fracture, 3 suspensory strains and me, an old lady at 65. I’m still amazed.
– June S.I’m 70 this year ..still riding in the show ring and on the trails and at the barn ..my horses are under 10 and over 20 – Candice D.Christina Lortz Vintage Cup rider on her 7 yo Lusitano mare Nevada CL winning IALHA open/amateur/vintage cup 3rd Level 2024 Showing/training for 4th and PSG for 2025
– Tina L.Me and my boy having low level fun. I’m going to be 61 this year.
– Lois L.I turn 56 this year, and returned to the dressage arena at the age of 50 on my boy, Duckie. So much fun, I am grateful, and enjoy every moment!
– Lori L.65 yr old AA just starting to show GP with my opinionated but completely charming CDE (PRE/Wesphalian) gelding. Cidacos and I have been together five years, and we have slowly worked our way up from 4th level to my long term dream of GP. It has been quite challenging but so satisfying to do the training myself, with great help from wonderful coaches such as Shannon Peters. Cidacos and I have a long way to go to be actually good at GP, but we are enjoying every day of the journey and just being together. 🐴 – Edie D.I’m 53 and have thoroughly enjoyed bringing this fancy fellow, Elation KF (KWPN) from Training Level all the way up to Grand Prix!
– Jennifer M.
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]
[…] and friendships. What do they have in common? They all get better with time – just like the Senior Superstars we’re celebrating on YourDressage throughout the month of […]