Dawn Metzger and Corrado M (TX)
Team #1,002: Dawn Metzger and Corrado M
From: Montgomery, Texas
Ages: 75 & 25
Combined Ages: 100
Test: Third Level Test 3
Corrado was seven when we became partners 18 years ago. He was showing Second Level. Kelly Layne was the trainer at the lovely place in Parker, Colorado, where he was boarding. Her calm and matter of fact style got us through our first show season. Soon, I sold my small animal veterinary practice and we moved to Texas. There, in time, we hooked up with my trainer of a lifetime, Pati Pierucci. Famously, she said “You know, that horse can do Grand Prix.” I said, “Prove it.” She did and we did. Together, Corrado and I achieved Grand Prix, and a USDF gold medal. This was all the more memorable for me because before Pati, that level of dressage had seemed so unattainable that I had never even considered it.
At some time after that, I saw my first working equitation competition. This sport has three phases, dressage, ease of handling (which involves negotiating several obstacles), and finally obstacles at speed, a timed event. I thought Corrado would enjoy the challenge, and the obstacles give a reason, other than just making mom happy, for doing the things we do in dressage. I found out he really likes to go fast! It so happens that in one language, Corrado means fast.
For some time, Corrado has indicated that his preferred activity is trail riding, so that is what we mostly do. I am grateful for his willingness to step up to do one last dressage show, our Century Club ride.
I am grateful that we were given this opportunity. I am very grateful to my trainer and to all of my friends who came to support us, to my husband Cecil, and most of all to Corrado, who has been the horse of a lifetime.
Photo by Epic Images by Teresa
