Adelle Nichols-Chemers and Henry J (CA)
Team #961: Adelle Nichols-Chemers and Henry J
From: San Clemente, California
Ages: 76 & 24
Combined Ages: 100
Test: Introductory Level Test B
Starting at about six years old, I wanted to be a cowgirl after watching The Roy Rogers Show with their two horses, Buttermilk and Trigger. I rode my rocking horse with them until the springs gave out! Pony rides, a vacation to a dude ranch out west, were followed by living in the city/suburbs, which made horse riding very inconvenient for working parents. That didn’t stop me from calling phone numbers in the newspaper to make appointments to look at sale horses. My parents were beside themselves.
Fast forward to graduating from college, which eventually led to a corporate career involving extensive travel and little time for a personal life.
In my late forties, I finally started my first riding lessons. I wanted to do everything at once, and believe me, I tried. After two years, I went fox hunting with the hunt club. I was grateful to ride their awesome schoolmaster. I wouldn't have done it without him. At age 50, I bought my first horse. Two more horses followed. Dressage became my passion. However, none were ever the match for me that Henry J, a Trakehner, has been since the day we became a team. He was 14, and I was 62. Twelve years later, I had found my heart horse! We showed lower-level dressage and schooled Second Level. He always gave me his best. I learned later that nationally, he had placed 6th in the Adequan/USDF 2012 All-Breed Open, First Level. So proud of my boy! With a big heart and solid mind, he has always taken care of me.
The Century Club ride was especially meaningful as Henry J had recently recovered from being hospitalized with peritonitis. A tenacious but slow comeback, he did it once again for me! Thank you to TDF for this opportunity, as I am honored and elated to be a member of the Century Club.
Thank you to the San Juan Capistrano Chapter of California Dressage Society, my trainer, Erin O’Steen, and my friends for making Henry’s and my Century Club ride a memorable event.
Photo by Annie MacAller Photography
