Judy Williams and Dig That Cat (NH)
Team #1,033: Judy Williams and Dig That Cat
From: Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire
Ages: 74.5 & 25.5
Combined Age: 100
Test: Intermediate A/B Freestyle
On March 7, 2004, while at an auction barn, I saw a head poking out of a stall that stole my heart. I bought him as is, on the spot, and called him Mr. Bojangles.
Tracing his tattoo, I learned he was born June 18, 2000, is a Storm Cat grandson, never started a race, and is registered under the name Dig That Cat. I continued to call him Bo.
My plan was eventing. He was very intelligent, but quick to spook and bolt. I spent two seasons at Beginner Novice before I felt safe galloping on cross-country. We then moved up to Novice and eventually did a bit of Training Level.
In 2018, I had a hip replacement and had to stop riding for three months. I started working seriously at dressage under excellent training. I was less interested in showing but eventually participated in a couple of development days (Pre Saint Georges and Intermediate 1) to get judges’ feedback. In 2024, I learned about the Century Club and began riding for an hour, five days a week, while putting together a freestyle test at the Intermediate A/B level. Bo often confused 1s and 2s (changes), so we decided to leave out the 1s. His piaffe and passage were passable, but sometimes inconsistent. Because Bo had worked so hard on these, we left them in the test. Given our age and Bo is an off-the-track Thoroughbred, I think we did a pretty good job!
Now in our 23rd year as partners, we will relax a bit and play with Working Equitation in the Ease of Handling division.
