Team #535 Neva Rae Powers and HA Bold Flyer
Team #535: Neva Rae Powers and HA Bold Flyer
Ages: 71.5 & 28.5
Combined Age: 100
Florida bred Arabian gelding HA Bold Flyer had the distinction of carrying his second rider into the Century Club this Fall. His first rider, Mary Jane Scott, completed her ride in 2013 when she was 80 and Flyer, as he is known in the barn at Casperey Stables in Loxahatchee, FL, was 20.
Flyer, aka The Flea, is now a grand gentleman at 28 1/2 years old. This purebred Arabian remarkably had no show experience until he was 20 years old. But in 2016, at age 23, Flyer achieved 4 top 10 placings at Youth Nationals. He also has regional championships in 2016 and 2018 and is the 2021 Region 12 Youth Arabian Working Hunter Cross Rails Champ. Flyer qualifies for his Legion of Honor at the end of 2021. He is adored by riders at Casperey Stables where he is a patient schoolmaster to young, and not so young, riders. Flyer has a great mind, is inquisitive, level-headed, and extraordinarily sound. He bounces off the trailer, ready to do his job with a professional and focused attitude. As Mary Jane says about Flyer, “I never met a horse who said, ‘What do you want me to do today?’ Flyer is one of a kind.”
Neva Rae has the honor of currently leasing Flyer and has been looking forward to their Century Club ride since trainer Gina Pengue told her about it. Neva Rae comes to riding very late in life, as she didn’t start lessons until almost 68, but has found the ideal partner in Flyer. Now 71 1/2 years old. Neva Rae feels incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity.
“I trained for the stage since I was 7 years old," Neva Rae said. “There was no time for horses. I was studying the piano, flute, voice, dance, and acting all through my youth. You must have that kind of commitment to make it to Broadway, which I did. But after more than 50 years of working in a dark theatre, this new life suits me just fine. As a matter of fact, it has totally changed my life’s direction. In addition to my devotion to riding, I am certified by the PATH organization as an Equine Specialist for Mental Health and Learning and I am completing my fieldwork for certification in the Masterson Method, an equine bodywork discipline. Horses have added more to my life than I ever could have imagined. I feel I am my purest self when riding.”
Neva Rae and Flyer compete regularly in dressage and hunters. “I get such a kick out of him on show days. He knows he has a job to do, and he is all business getting it done. After the ride I always come through with his favorite treat, bananas. I am very grateful to the Orlando Arabian Horse Club and the Palm Beach County Mounted Posse for their support and organization of our Century Ride. It was one of best days of my life.” Flyer’s current owner Lori Cooper, former rider Mary Jane Scott, breeder Lily Sayre, barn mates, and dozens of friends were all in attendance.
Neva Rae and Flyer completed Training Level Test 2 on October 23, 2021, to join the Century Club.
