Carolyn McMullen and Vento (CA)
Team #1048: Carolyn McMullen and Vento
From: Davis, California
Ages 77 & 24
Combined Age: 101
Test: Training Level Test 1
How can I find the words to describe the perfect horse and equine partner? There are just no words but here we go.
I purchased my Lusitano stallion, Vento, in November of 2011. I was told that because he is not a traditional dressage breed and a stallion that it would never work. I had owned horses as a child in Canada and had gotten back to riding in my 40s. Vento came along when I really needed a teacher and what a patient and kind teacher he has been. Together we got my USDF silver medal and then a silver bar for our musical freestyle. We have been demo pairs many times and have participated in clinics all around our area.
The most important part of having a partner like Vento at my age is that he is safe, patient and reliable. He packs around our great grandchildren, my non horsey friends and my “want to be” horsey friends. He never says no to anything and heads out of his stall with lots of good humor and enthusiasm.
He is very happy at 24 years old and is the grand marshal of our barn. He has graciously given way to a new dressage partner for me, and he watches everything we do with interest. I am still actively competing FEI on another Lusitano at the age of 77.
We have had a glorious time getting ready for our Century Club ride. It gave us a project to tackle together, and I put him right back in the spotlight that he so richly deserves. Thank you for this opportunity.
