Josephine Rodgers and Hershey

Team #78

From Gymkhana to Century Club

Josephine at a Gymkhana in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Josephine Rodgers started riding at a young age when her family lived in Argentina.  Many happy hours were spent participating in Gymkhanas with fun tests, such as relay or potato in a spoon races, and hacking with her family in Palermo Park. As a matter of fact, the jacket that Josephine wore for the Century Club ride had been her mother’s and bears the tailor’s label dated 3.30.40, 70 years old! Josephine stopped riding during the years she was raising her family and teaching languages, but her love of horses was always with her.  When her husband Tom retired, he offered to buy her a horse if she too would retire - an irresistible offer! The horse was found and next, because Josephine aspired to Dressage, a trainer was needed. Fortunately, Nancy Lindsey was teaching at a nearby barn.  So for the ensuing 20 plus years Josephine has trained with Nancy.

A few months ago while riding with Nancy, Josephine mentioned that she was 78 years old; this put the wheels in motion for the Century Club ride.  Nancy recruited Jo Ann Altman and her handsome thoroughbred Hershey.  Hershey, now 23, was bought by Jo Ann when he was 17.  He had had a career on the race track, good blood lines from Nashrua and Bold Ruler, a willing disposition, but no Dressage training.  Together Nancy and Jo Ann have been training Hershey in Dressage for the past 6 years and he is now a talented dancing partner.

The stage was set when Marie Morgan’s Solstice Farms announced their Halloween Show. There could not have been a more enthusiastic venue.  Marie herself called the test, Nancy helped horse and rider warm up, Jo Ann gave her wonderful steed the most excellent care, friends came out to cheer, and Hershey won his class. It was a roaring success for all!!

	Left to right:  Jo Ann Altman (Hershey's Owner), Nancy Lindsey (Trainer), and Josephine on Hershey