Bill Roberts and Lou (MD)
Team #923: Bill Roberts and Lou
From: Churchville, Maryland
Ages: 73 & 35
Combined Ages: 108
Test: Introductory Level Test A
Unlike most people, I only became involved with horses at the age of 71. This also happens to be the age when I fell in love with them. Now you might be wondering- how did a septuagenarian find his way to horses after all those years? Well, a few years ago, my son Brian, who also had never been involved with horses, married a wonderful woman named Tiffany, who just happened to be a horse owner and very skilled rider and eventer. While Brian quickly became a good rider and eventer himself, I was quite content to stay on the ground and take care of the horses and the farm.
All of that changed, however, in January 2025 at the age of 73. I received a birthday present from Brian and Tiffany for five riding lessons at Windswept Stables in Aberdeen, Maryland. In March, once the weather warmed up a bit, I began my riding experience with Monica Fiss, owner and trainer of Skip to My Lou. “Lou” was a 34-year-old, now 35-year-old, 14.2 hand Paint/Quarter Horse who defies age and is full of life. I didn’t need the five lessons to figure out whether I liked riding. After one lesson, I was hooked, and Lou soon became my best friend.
It didn’t take me long to find out that although riding is a lot of fun, it’s not nearly as easy as it looks! Thanks to Monica’s teaching and patience, we slowly progressed. On May 25th, less than three months into my riding endeavor, and much to my surprise, Lou and I found ourselves entered in our first low-level eventing competition. That day was filled with highs, lows, and plenty of excitement. Now, I was not only hooked on riding, but I was also hooked on competing, and the idea of the next competition, coupled with the Century Club ride, was formed.
Soon afterward, in August, just six months after my very first ride, Lou and I competed in our second event and completed our Century Club ride. It was an amazing day, and I was thrilled with us as a team. We did it!
I can never thank Brian and Tiffany enough for introducing me to the wonderful world of horses and encouraging me and supporting me along the way. Back in March, I had no idea I even wanted to ride a horse, much less jump one in competition, but here I am! Also, many thanks to Monica and all the new friends I have met at Windswept Stables. Without all their help, advice, and support, Lou and I would not be at this point today. Lastly, a big heartfelt thank you to my friend Lou, the incredible little horse, without whom this amazing adventure would not have been possible. We’re already looking forward to our next challenge!
