Kathy Kirchner and Princeton (OH)
Team #899: Kathy Kirchner and Princeton
From: Aurora, Ohio
Ages: 77 & 25
Combined Ages: 102
Test: First Level Test 1
Princeton, my trainer Alexandra Gainer’s 25-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred, and I joined the Century Club when we completed First Level Test 1 at the Northern Ohio Dressage Association summer series show on June 22, 2025. Robin Birk (R) judged, and we earned a score of 64.444%.
Alex trained Princeton from green to Grand Prix and earned her USDF gold medal with him. He is still active, being used a few times a week in lessons, and occasionally going to a show.
Joining the Century Club has been a goal for some time now. My horse, with whom I made my Fourth Level debut at the same show, won’t be old enough for another three years (he is 18 now; I am 77), so when I asked Alex in early spring if she might allow me to use Princeton, I was thrilled that she agreed. I rode him once a week for a few months, learning his quirks and preferences. Despite the temperatures in the low 90s, Princeton gave me his all, and we had a successful ride.
I want to thank The Dressage Foundation for sponsoring this wonderful program, Alex Gainer for her guidance, and for allowing me to partner with her precious Princeton, and my barn mates and friends who turned out to cheer as we did our Century Club ride. With luck, I will do it again in three years on my wonderful horse B.
