Cindy Gazley and Half Moon (OH)
Team #966: Cindy Gazley and Half Moon
From: Burton, Ohio
Ages: 75 & 26
Combined Ages: 101
Test: Introductory Level Test B
As I write, Half Moon is grazing in our pasture, at home, where he was foaled on a sunny May morning. We have been together his entire life.
At four years old, I rode a pony at an amusement park. It cantered fast to the end of the ride. I was scared to death, but I immediately begged my parents to do it again. This started my lifelong love of horses. I was lucky to live in the Chagrin Valley, where riding was part of our culture. I wanted to buy a horse, but my parents’ answer was always “no.” At twenty-five, I achieved my dream when I bought an off-the-track with 97 racing starts. He was “lightning in a jar.” We taught each other a lot and had wonderful times. When I married, my husband wasn’t a rider. Soon, we started taking dressage lessons with our now long-time trainer and friend, Dale Lappert (retired “R” judge). She also coached me for my Century Club ride.
Although registered with The Jockey Club, Half Moon never raced. He always lived on our farm. We care for our horses ourselves. I personally backed and trained him under Dale’s watchful eye. We’ve competed in dressage and many hunter paces, being in the ribbons almost every time. We enjoy riding on trails.
Smart, and with dressage training, Half Moon quietly showed us how to negotiate any dicey obstacles encountered. We continue riding with the Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club, where we still experience the beauty of the bridle trails.
Pictured are: left to right: Sally Burton, NODA schooling show manager, Dale Lappert (retired "R" judge) trainer, Cindy Gazley and Half Moon, Judge Susan Posner
