Joan Harper and Abbie (NC)
Team #953: Joan Harper and Abbie
From: Vass, North Carolina
Ages: 83 & 22
Combined Age: 105
Test: Introductory Level Test C
My riding interest started before I started grade school, when a friend decided to keep his horse at our farm. It was only trail riding Western until I was in high school, when a friend introduced me to 4-H, and I started riding English and jumping at 4-H shows. My father rigged one of his work trucks with sideboards and a ramp for me to take my horse to shows. It was a sight going down the highway with the horse's head above the cab.
After nursing school, I started doing hunter shows and, with the help of a friend, was able to buy a trailer. That continued for about 10 years until my daughter was born. At the age of two, she got a pony. When she was 10, she started Pony Club. That was when I was introduced to dressage and eventing. I was sold on that it was judged on horse and rider performance and not that the judge liked you or your horse. Also, that you did not have to wait to compete, and if you missed your ride time, “sorry.”
I competed mostly at USEA events and was a working student with Denny Emerson in the winters for over 15 years at his Tamarack Hill Farm in Southern Pines most winters. Due to my age and the horses’ ability, I competed at Novice Level.
As a member of ESDCTA, I did the USDF Adult Team Championships for several years. Along with competing, I helped get eventing started at the Horse Park of New Jersey and started decorating at cross-country competitions.
11 years ago, I moved to Southern Pines and now decorate cross-country jumps at Carolina Horse Park. I was competing until two years ago, when I did my eventing Century ride at “Green as Grass.” I was 82 and my horse was 18. Now with a 22-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred, I did my dressage Century Club ride as the end of competing.
Now, turning 84, it is just pleasure riding where my farm backs up to the Walthour Moss Foundation, which has over 4,000 acres for trail riding.
