Bernard Owens and Pi (ME)
Team #1082: Bernard Owens and Pi
From: Waldoboro, Maine
Ages 79 & 26
Combined Age: 105
Test: Introductory Level Test C
On September 6, 2026, 79-year-old retired surgeon Bernard "Barney" Owens achieved a long-held dream by completing a historic Century Club ride on Kennebec Joyful Encounter ("Pi") at Vienna Farm in Gorham, Maine. To qualify for this prestigious milestone, the horse and rider's combined ages must total at least 100 years—Barney and his 26-year-old registered Morgan gelding proudly reached a combined age of 105.
Barney’s equestrian journey began later in life when his wife, Carolyn, brought home a Welsh Pony. In 2011, he retired from medicine to run a small farm that grew from two horses to eight, with the occasional escaped neighborhood horse stopping by to join the gang. His first mount, an off-the-track Thoroughbred named Kinetic Rush, kept him safe and inspired him to keep riding. After moving from Ohio to Maine, Barney began training with Deborah Remley at Hope Springs Stable. He eventually paired with Pi, a seasoned schoolmaster who demands perfect form and will let you know if you get it wrong.
Today, the unstoppable duo is already hard at work training with Deborah for next year.
