Team #496 Barbi Breen Gurley and Almar's Touch of Magic

Team #496: Barbi Breen Gurley and Almar’s Touch of Magic
Ages: 74 & 28
Combined Age: 102

I’m not from a horsey family. I was born in Upland (east of Los Angeles) and moved up to the San Luis Obispo after college. My late father had a men’s clothing store and used to be a “golden glove” boxing enthusiast. In his early years, he owned and operated a steel salvage yard in east Texas. My parents have always been keen supporters of my riding. My dad got me my first horse when I turned 12, “Comet,” a wonderful Arabian gelding. He was with me until he died at age 27!

I am now an active dressage trainer, competitor and “USEF Senior Dressage Judge;” I am also a USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist, with a Freestyle Gold Bar. I own and operate “Sea Horse Ranch BBG,” a boarding and training facility on the central California coast. I am currently working with “Happy M,” who, I believe, will be my tenth Grand Prix horse. He is presently in the top ten nationally at the Prix St Georges level. We have qualified to compete at the 2021 US Dressage Finals, but we are not able to attend this year given some family challenges. I am so grateful; my husband is 100% supportive. When I decided to perform a Century Club ride, I rode one of my student’s horses, “Magic,” a retired FEI competitor, Morgan mare, who is now 28 years old. She has been semi-retired for several years as a school master, being ridden regularly by two lower-level students. I decided to ride her in Third Level, Test 1, a test that would be fun and not too stressful for her. She really enjoyed the experience, and my hope was to motivate others who may be over 70 to stay on their game and keep striving to do their best!! It was a fun day for all of us!

Barbi and Touch of Magic rode Third Level, Test 1, on June 12, 2021, to complete their Century Ride.