Team #523 Marsha Icko and Hello Gorgeous
Team #523: Marsha Icko and Hello Gorgeous
Ages: 76 & 27
Combined Age: 103
What can I say about my heart horse for the last 24 years? He has a very big personality, is very balanced with great rhythmic gaits, has a beautiful jump, is extremely comfortable, and is a major gingersnap cookie monster. He is a kind, calm, willing partner. Hello Gorgeous ("Travis") is a great trail horse (unless you want to cross water), but on occasion, he will still summon his inner Thoroughbred. We have been together through major injuries. Colic for him and five joint replacements and spine fusions for me.
A few years after I got Travis, I watched a friend, Dennis Trettle, Team #13, ride for Century Club membership at a schooling show held at our barn. That was in 2001. I always thought if Travis and I could make it to 100, I would do a Century Club ride too. AND WE DID!!! We even won our class!
I rode saddle seat and western up to the time I went to college. I didn’t start riding again until I was 40 years old, this time riding hunter/jumpers. Five lessons were all it took for me to buy my first Thoroughbred. I love them. They are smart, athletic, and quick learners. They are great for almost all disciplines. Travis was an exceptional show hunter who in now doing a great job as my trail horse (did I mention water?).
The jumping style of the horse is important for success in the show ring, but good flatwork is a major component. Because of that basic flatwork, I was able to complete my Century Club ride without having formal dressage training. My focus now is just pleasure riding this wonderful horse, as long as we're both in good health. Since I retired, I have been successfully working as a portrait and equine artist. My work is available for view at: www.mickoparis.com
Marsha and Travis completed Training Level, Test 1, on September 25, 2021, with a score of 67.5%, to join the Century Club.
