Jeanne Strublic and Isabella (WI)
Team #959: Jeanne Strublic and Isabella
From: Wautoma, Wisconsin
Ages: 76 & 24
Combined Age: 100
For as far back as I can remember, I have been in love with horses. My bedroom was always full of horse photos, and my favorite pastime was doing paint-by-number horse pictures. My parents weren't financially able to buy me a horse, but when I was in 7th grade, they were able to provide me with writing lessons. I was in heaven. I rode at Joy Farm outside of the city of Milwaukee until I married and had my two boys. I didn't get back to riding for many years. When I was in my 40s, I discovered dressage and bought my first horse, a Morgan cross named Rocky. He taught me everything about horse care and the responsibility of owning a horse. He was a great teacher.
I had a few horses after Rocky passed away at 27 years of age. Then, in 2001, I found my Warmblood, Isabella. She was seven months old and had been born with a contracted tendon. When I went to look at her, the lady had a PVC pipe wrapped around her leg. My husband looked at me, and we knew we had to buy her. Within two weeks, she was in surgery, and our journey started. Isabella was a feisty mayor, but I stuck with it. We went to a couple of trainers that didn't work out, and then I found my dear friend, Lynne Schramer Miller, who is a two-time Century Club member. She took us back to the basics and away we went. When Lynne stepped back from training, I began working with her granddaughter, Vanessa Elendt. I also did clinics and lessons with Kim Iwen of Wisconsin Equestrian Center and other clinicians as well. We were training Second Level when arthritis and a stifle issue came about.
I am thrilled beyond measure that I was able to accomplish my Century Club ride on Isabella, and she was amazing. I want to thank my trainers and all my friends for their support and good wishes. Most of all, thank you to my husband, John, who encouraged and supported Isabella and me in our dressage adventures. Also, thank you to my previous veterinarian, Dr. Gary Battenhorst (retired), and current veterinarian, Dr. Betsey Welty, for all their help in keeping Isabella healthy. In addition, thank you to Heartland Equestrian Center of Custer, Wisconsin, for hosting my ride. It was a fabulous day and one I will never forget. I am truly honored to be a part of TDF’s Century Club.
Group picture is from left, Trainer Lynne Schramer Miller, Trainer Vanessa Elendt, Marla Martin, owner of Heartland Equestrian Center, and Mark Long, general manager of Heartland Equestrian Center.
