Donna Richardson and Xerez de Quintana (CA)
Team #863: Donna Richardson and Xerez de Quintana
From: Escondido, California
Ages: 77 & 23
Combined Age: 100
Test: Grand Prix
Donna Richardson, retired from emergency medicine, continues her career as a USEF “S” dressage judge, trainer, and rider. Except for a few months out of the saddle to get both hips replaced, she has ridden six days a week for the past 50 years. Her most famous mount was Jazzman. With Jazzman, she won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games in Canada, multiple USDF and California Dressage Society (CDS) Horse of the Year titles through Grand Prix, and a USDF diamond medal with distinction. Her students have been successful at the NAYC, U.S. Dressage Finals, and CDS Championships. Three of her students are now pros themselves. Donna attributes her lengthy career to good genes, diligent physical training in the saddle and in the gym, and an absolute love of the horse and the sport.
Xerez de Quintana is an approved Lusitano palomino stallion. After being imported into the U.S. from Sucandi Farms in Brazil, he was purchased by Janice Cline, who has owned and loved him for the past 12 years. He was trained and shown to Grand Prix by Kim Monk. Recently, Janice has been riding with Donna. The day after Donna completed her Century Club ride, Janice achieved a lifelong goal when she rode Xerez down the centerline at Grand Prix. Xerez stands at only 15.1 hands but has a heart the size of an 18-hand Warmblood. Even at the ripe old age of 23, he never says "no," just "I will try." Donna and Jan could not appreciate him more.
Donna riding Xerez and Xerez's owner, Janice Cline
