Team #583 Jerry Kleffman and Purple Rain
Team #583: Jerry Kleffman and Purple Rain
From: Shoreview, Minnesota
Ages: 84 & 16
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level Test 3
Date: August 28, 2022
After being raised in a mining town, I did separate tours with the Marine Corps and Peace Corps before pursuing, what turned out to be, a variety of work careers as an engineer, teacher, registered investment advisor and seller of commercial printing.
I am twice married with several children and stepchildren. My first wife and I enjoyed 26 years together before I lost her to brain cancer a week before her 50th birthday.
Unlike most Century Club riders, I didn’t start riding until age 55, and my current wife of 29 years must take full responsibility. Early on in our dating, she asked if I would like to “horse around,” after which, she promptly introduced me to Windy Ridge Ranch (WRR) in Woodbury, MN, where she was taking riding lessons. On that first visit, I didn’t realize the great opportunity and camaraderie that was about to open for me.
After almost 30 years of riding and still hearing, “heels down,” I can attest that WRR is a unique riding school gem. It is home to over 40 well-mannered schooling horses that are used in horsemanship, english, dressage, jumping, and eventing lessons as well as for gymkhana and trail riding.
Purple Rain (Louie), my riding partner, was foaled June 24, 2006, stands at 17.3hh, and is a gelded Gray Irish Draught Horse. The “Big Guy” and I had a great time riding Training Level Test 3. The judge’s comment, “well matched pair,” on our test paper made the ride feel even more special.
