Barbi Breen-Gurley and Vindicator (CA)
Team #878: Barbi Breen-Gurley and Vindicator
From: Los Osos, California
Ages: 78 & 23
Combined Age: 101
Test: Grand Prix
Last Saturday (May 3, 2025), I rode a Century Club ride at the Grand Prix on my horse Vindicator (aka “Vin”). I personally trained him up through the levels from the time he was a three-year-old. He is a 23-year-old KWPN-NA gelding by OO Seven out of Rendezvous, bred and raised by Willy Arts.
I stopped competing with him in 2020, but I still ride him every day—before working with the other three to eight horses we have in training—then spend the rest of the day teaching. Vin and I work on dressage several times a week and hit the trails at least once a week. My daily routine is quite full with horses in training and lessons to teach. Despite being compromised by Cushing’s disease for the past seven years, Vin remains a proud and committed partner.
A few years ago, I completed a Century Club ride at Third Level on a student’s horse, never imagining I might one day do the same with Vin. But last year, I decided to bring him back and give it a go. Although I rode him daily, we hadn’t done serious work in some time, so we began a gradual training program focused on rebuilding strength and developing his carrying power. We also had to clip him frequently to stay ahead of his heavy coat—a real burden during work.
The evening before the show, we loaded the trailer for the trip to the showgrounds with Vin, HappyM (my current Grand Prix competitor), WillitVF (my Prix St. Georges horse), and Othello (a student’s competition horse). Vin jumped into the trailer with all four feet off the ground, excited to be going!
I rode him first when we arrived that evening, and again the next morning during warm-up. He had unusual, excited energy, and he was truly happy to be there. I had tears in my eyes. Throughout the ride, my eyes stayed misty with joy. He gave an honest, noble effort and performed a lovely Grand Prix. I was so proud of him and deeply appreciated the support of family, students, and friends.
It was incredibly satisfying to share this accomplishment with Vin after so many years of training together, marked by milestones that included state and national accolades, a trip to Lamplight as a five-year-old, and top-five finishes at the US Dressage Finals in Kentucky in both 2013 and 2014.
