Karen Higbee and Firecrest Godiva (WA)
Team #871: Karen Higbee and Firecrest Godiva
From: Snohomish, Washington
Ages: 84 & 17
Combined Age: 101
Test: Introductory Level Test A
Horses, to me, are not only beautiful but therapeutic. I was 40 when I got my first half-Arabian mare. It became apparent I needed lessons. Enter Michelle, an amazing 19-year-old instructor. Don’t be fooled by her age. She trained horses and specialized in dressage. I even became her “working student.” Then life happened.
I didn’t see Michelle much until 2010 when she came to help me with Razz, an Arabian/Fox Trotter. Michelle now had a 12-year-old daughter, Rosie, a talented young rider. I joined her at some schooling shows just for fun. Razz developed a severe knee injury. I had no horse to ride.
Dr. Toodie Connor gifted me an eight-year-old, unstarted Morgan mare, Firecrest Godiva, aka Diva. I was 75 and starting an eight-year-old. This would seem impossible, but Michelle was now my daughter-in-law and there to instruct me. Diva was perfect, sensible, sensitive, kind, and willing.
In 2021, our first recognized show was the Key Classic Benefit Horse Show, and we took high point. In our second year of competition, she earned fourth place for Region 5, USEF Dressage Training Level, Morgan Division. We began showing at First Level, but in 2023, at age 83, I broke my leg, a spiral fracture to my left femur. It was a very difficult recovery, so I’m starting all over. Finally, with my team of Michelle and Rosie, I was able to do my Century Club ride at the E.I. Schooling Show. I’m on my way again!
Photo by Equestrians Institute
