Christine Morris and Jake (NY)
Team #1050: Christine Morris and Jake
From: Port Jervis, New York
Ages: 73 & 27
Combined Age: 100
Test: Introductory Level Test A
First, I want to applaud the organization for developing the theme of senior riders and senior horses in the Century Club. I did not take my first horseback riding lesson until I was 57 years old. Since I was a little girl, I was touched by the presence of a horse and dreamed of the day when I could be part of a horse’s life.
I was lucky enough to meet Brittany Cooper Mordovancey, who is the trainer and owner of Black Ridge Farm. She took me under her wing and made sure my experiences would grow and always be safe. I would not still be riding if it were not for her ability to see my insecurities. She knew what horse would be beneficial, and that was Jake.
He is an absolute unicorn. He is used in the lesson program and camp activities because he is so safe, and at my age, that matters most. He built my confidence to try different things, and that includes dressage. It was my riding buddy Linda, who loves dressage, that got me interested in it. She was very inspirational. I have never had so much fun riding as when we were practicing a quadrille pattern with the other women at the barn. This ride is dedicated to the women who do not give up when facing adversities and continue to chase their dreams. So, thank you again for recognizing senior riders and their horses.
Photos by Renee Zernistsky Photography
