Team #657 Rhoda Kerr and Bruno

Team #657: Rhoda Kerr and Bruno
From: Saint Lazare, Quebec
Ages: 86 & 14
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level Test 2
Date: June 16, 2023

Growing up on a dairy farm in Hudson, Quebec, it only seemed natural for me to love all animals. My dad was a real horseman. He taught us to love and respect the workhorses. He also taught us to love the horses and ponies involved with the Pony Club.

My first horse was a buckskin Quarter Horse given to me by a generous lady, when I was 14. As he had been perfectly schooled, I was invited to hunt with the Lake of Two Mountains Hunt. This became my passion for most of the following 45 years. I was a happy hacker in the off-season, and Dad always supplied suitable horses for both activities.

Fast forward to marriage and children. I became involved in the Canadian Pony Club, the Prince Philip Mounted Games, and eventing. The fun of eventing drew me in while watching our two children, Bill and Carolyn, progress, so I took part in some clinics and local events as well. 

At 80 years of age, I needed another horse. I was looking for a quiet, happy hacker. Enter Bruno, a 15.3-hand Thoroughbred from polo lines who decided that he did not want to play polo. Bruno and common sense guided me to try to improve my riding, stay close to home, and never ride alone. Currently, Bruno is stabled here at home with me in St. Lazare with three stable mates that I look after (with help).

Early in 2023, while visiting Sandridge Saddlery in Hudson, Tracey Dickson questioned me about Bruno’s and my age, which set in motion the idea of joining the Century Club. I decided it would be fun to try. We rode our test at Amy and Mark’s Melanderosa Farm in Ste. Marthe. Amy organized the whole event with judge Claude Diotte. I was happy to have the support of good friends throughout the planning, practicing, and the actual event. Yes, I was nervous. Yes, it was fun, and the ride confirms the fact that there is much more to learn and many more ways to improve. I am still looking forward to riding in the years to come.

Over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to have had wonderful instructors including Valère Francoeur, Anita Bouman, and Pierre Plouffe. 

Photo Credit: Tracey Dickson and Jeremy Pinchuk

Photo from Left to Right: Claude Diotte (Judge), Anita Bouman, Rhoda Kerr on Bruno, Pierre Plouffe, Valère Francoeur, and Amy Pinchuk