Deborah McKenzie and Skye (TX)
Team #952: Deborah McKenzie and Skye
From: Richmond, Texas
Ages: 77 & 23
Combined Ages: 100
Test: Introductory Level Test C
From an early age, I knew I had to have horses in my life. At 14, I got my first horse and was hooked forever! Growing up in Canada, I rode in every season. Braving snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures didn’t matter as long as I was in the saddle with my trusty horse, Rusty.
Eventually, “life” took over - school, job, marriage, children, and a move to Texas, I had no time for horses. Until….my daughter began riding and showing hunters. In my 40s by then and thrilled to be hanging around barns and back in the saddle! Caroline moved on to other sports, so our Thoroughbred, Dancer, was all mine!
As he aged out, I added Shorty, a Quarter Horse, Fitzroy, a Paint, and Star, a rescue Paint. I did not show but enjoyed jumping lessons, clinics, fox hunting, and trail riding – but not dressage!
I lost my last two horses, Fitzroy and Star, about four years ago due to medical issues. Now, in my 70s, I accepted there would be no more horses in my life. Until…my friend Sue Rankin asked me to ride Skye, the pasture mate of her young Andalusian.
We have been a wonderful team for almost three years, mostly trail riding and dabbling in dressage. Completing a Century Club ride has been an exciting and enriching event for Skye and me, keeping us both “Forever Young!”
