Cathy Cesario and Major Misbehaven (TN)
Team #1,031: Cathy Cesario and Major Misbehaven
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Ages: 78 & 23
Combined Age: 101
Test: Introductory Level Test A
There are moments in life when the path forward feels uncertain, when the weight of loss makes even the simplest steps feel impossible. For me, that moment came when I lost my husband, Mike, of over fifty years during COVID. He was not only my partner in life, but my greatest encourager—especially when it came to horses.
It was Mike who believed I could do this. It was he, together with my trainer, Jessica Roberson Wright, who found Major for me—a kind, steady partner who would carry me forward when I needed it most. None of us could have imagined how important that decision would become.
Major became more than a horse to me. He became part of my healing. On days when grief felt heavy, the simple routine of going to the barn, grooming him, and riding again gave me purpose. Horses have a remarkable way of bringing us back to ourselves.
Major and I have grown together in ways I never expected. At 78 years old, I am still learning, improving, and showing up. At 22, Major meets me each day with patience, generosity, and heart. Together, we are proof that progress belongs to those who keep going.
Every step I take in the saddle feels like a quiet conversation between the past and the present. Mike’s belief in me still rides along.
I am deeply grateful to my family, my trainer Jessica Roberson Wright, and my barn family for their support and encouragement throughout this journey. The day of our Century Club ride was perfect. The weather was beautiful, Major performed perfectly, and together—we did it.
