Now approaching the 1,000-member mark, this beloved program recognizes dressage’s elder statespersons (and horses).
By Colleen Scott
When equestrians reflect on lifetime goals, few are as poignant or as powerful as becoming a member of The Dressage Foundation’s (TDF) Century Club.
Reserved for horse-and-rider pairs whose combined ages total 100 years or more, this honorary club celebrates not just longevity, but also the deep bond and enduring dedication between a dressage rider and their equine partner. The Century Club recognizes the physical and mental appeal of continuing to be active in dressage—and highlights the fact that dressage really is a sport for all ages.
Let’s take a minute to learn more about the Century Club (which most of us dressage diehards hope eventually to join!) and to celebrate some of its members. We’ll also look at how you can help keep yourself and your horse trotting happily into your golden years.
Senior Moment
The Century Club was the brainchild of the late dressage judge, author, historian, and Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame member Dr. Max Gahwyler. TDF embraced the concept and in 1996 welcomed inaugural member the late Lazelle Knocke, a former USDF president, riding Don Perignon. Gahwyler himself became Century Club member #2 aboard his Prinz Eugen.
The criteria for Century Club admission are simple: A horse/rider pair whose combined age totals at least 100 must complete a dressage test (English or Western), at any level, at a recognized, schooling, or virtual show. The test must be judged by a licensed dressage judge or other dressage professional. The rider must submit the test sheet, proof of rider and horse ages, and an application and other materials to TDF. In return, eligible applicants receive permanent recognition on the TDF website (DressageFoundation.org) and a handsome ribbon. Some riders submit paperwork in advance so that the ribbon can be presented after the test ride at the show. Many members treasure the commemorative photos taken at the show with themselves and their horses in full show regalia, the judge, and the black-and-gold Century Club ribbon.
The Century Club concept was an immediate hit, and before long many dressage riders were adding it to their bucket lists. As of July 2025, 904 horse-and-rider combinations had joined the club. In 2024, a record 133 pairs earned Century Club membership, the oldest being Cauleen Glass, of Carnation, Washington, who was 90 at the time. Glass, who still rides five days a week, partnered with the 15-year-old Sweety Newland for her Century Club ride.
Caring for the Senior Horse
Behind every Century Club rider is a seasoned mount who’s given his all. Keeping older horses healthy and happy requires attention, adaptation, and respect for their changing needs. Here’s how to support your senior partner.
1. Maintain a thoughtful feeding program.
Horses’ metabolism and dental health change as they age. Choose senior feeds that are easy to chew, digestible, and balanced for older equines. Your veterinarian, an equine nutritionist, or both can help determine the best diet for your oldster’s specific needs. Regular dental checks are also key to avoid weight loss or discomfort. For more on both of these topics, see the USDF Connection articles “Fuel Your Horse’s Performance” (July/August 2025) and “Are Dental Issues Taking a Bite out of Your Dressage Performance?” (July/August 2024).
2. Stay on top of joint health.
Osteoarthritis is common in aging horses. Joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications (as recommended by your vet), and consistent, low-impact exercise can help keep joints moving comfortably.
3. Keep them moving.
Regular, gentle work is better than total rest. Light riding, turnout, and ground work support circulation, muscle tone, and mental well-being.
4. Monitor for PPID (Cushing’s disease) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).
These endocrine disorders are more common in seniors. Watch for such signs as failure to shed a heavy hair coat, muscle wasting, lethargy, or fatty deposits. Early diagnosis often results in a more successful outcome.
5. Schedule regular checkups.
Twice-yearly veterinary exams allow for early intervention and tailored wellness plans. Blood work, dental exams, and lameness checks should be part of routine care. Take photographs of your horse in the same place from the same angle twice yearly to help document any physical changes.
6. Celebrate their wisdom.
Senior horses bring their skills, experience, and trust to the ring. Listen to them, honor their limits, and appreciate every ride.
Above all, treat your older horse like an elite athlete—with consistent care, personalized programs, and lots of love. He’s earned it!
Every Pair Has a Story
What makes the Century Club truly special is the stories behind the tests. Here are just a few.
Nancy Kline, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, started riding as a child at summer camps and bought her first horse when she turned 35. Following a successful run in eventing, she focused on dressage, moving up to Third Level. In 2024, Kline, 75, did her Century Club ride with her then 26-year-old Friesian/Morgan cross, Macadamian Mist. Fans cheered them on as Kline and “Mac” completed First Level Test 3.
“Alex [Porter, Kline’s instructor] made it really fun,” Kline says, “and made it a really big deal with Champagne and special t-shirts. It was a nice ending to our career.”
Recalling his 2024 Century Club ride, former USDF Region 6 director Peter Rothschild says: “I think I had more people watching me ride that test than in my entire 30 years of showing combined.” Rothschild, then 76, did a Training Level freestyle with his then 25-year-old Hanoverian/Arabian cross, Enigma, to become Century Club member #822.
The ride had special significance to Rothschild, of Olympia, Washington, because it highlighted his partnership with “Iggy.” As he recounted to USDF Connection in 2019, “This horse was my savior in navigating my life the year after my first wife died” (“My Dressage: My Savior,” July/August 2019). Iggy later stood by as Rothschild recovered from hip replacement surgery.
P.J. Rismon, of Kalispell, Montana, credits her horse not only with helping her achieve Century Club membership, but—like Rothschild—with shoring up her mental health.
“Yay for ride days,” says Rismon, who serves as the main caregiver to her husband, who has Parkinson’s disease and dementia. “They keep me sane.”
Rismon, then 80, became Century Club member #846 last year aboard her American Azteca (three-fourths Andalusian, one-fourth Quarter Horse) mare, Belleza, then 20. “I rode a very easy test—Intro B,” the rider recalls, “as I was just getting over a nasty respiratory infection. My mare can get amped up in a hectic show setting, and I wanted to ride an easy test to make sure I had the strength needed to ride her properly. As it turned out, she was an absolute doll and we could have done more.”
Join the Club!
Are you and your mount approaching the Century mark? Consider celebrating your commitment to your horse and the sport of dressage with a Century Club ride. Read more members’ stories and learn how to join the club at DressageFoundation.org; then get yourself and your horse in the best shape possible for your big day! For tips, see “Inspiration and Perspiration” down below.
Above all, get inspired by the Century Club. Its members are motivating all of us to dream big, ride long, and cherish every stride.
Inspiration and Perspiration
Physical fitness is important for equestrians, no matter their age. How have longer-in-the-tooth dressage riders stayed in shape (and in the saddle) long enough to punch their ticket to The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club? Here are some of their tips, plus a handful from the writer’s own equestrian experience and from Dr. Google. (Note: If you’re not currently in an exercise program, check with your doctor before you start.)
1. Core strength is key.
A strong core supports posture, balance, and stability in the saddle. Pilates, yoga, or stability-ball exercises can help build and maintain strength.
2. Flexibility matters.
Aging naturally results in tightened muscles and stiffer joints. Gentle daily stretching—especially through the hips, hamstrings, and lower back—can help keep you supple in the saddle.
3. Prioritize balance.
Simple balance exercises (like standing on one foot or using a balance board) improve body awareness and reaction time, reducing the risk of falls and improving stability.
4. Stay strong.
Maintaining muscle mass helps with mounting, grooming, and tacking (and riding, of course), all of which become more physically demanding over time. Incorporate strength training into your fitness regimen, focusing on low-impact resistance work.
5. Keep moving when you’re not in the saddle.
Walking, swimming, cycling, playing golf or pickleball, even gardening a few times a week supports cardiovascular health and joint mobility—all crucial for productive riding sessions.
6. Listen to your body.
Rest when needed, and give yourself time to recover fully from any injuries. Work with professionals who understand the demands of equestrian sports as well as the challenges of staying fit and healthy later in life. A physical therapist or fitness trainer who understands rider biomechanics can create a program designed to help keep you riding strong for years to come.
7. Focus on proper hydration and nourishment.
Fuel your body with water and the essential nutrients it needs. For help in designing a balanced diet that’s right for you, consult a nutrition expert. A registered dietician (ask your doctor for a referral) may be able to offer advice tailored to the needs of athletes, senior citizens, and others.
