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Team #910: Keith Evringham and Mayson
From: Aiken, South Carolina
Ages: 80 & 23
Combined Ages: 103
Test: Training Level Test 1

A Century Club ride had crossed my mind a few years ago. My wife, Jean Marie, had a nice gelding named Graham who turned 21 when I reached 79. I just didn’t “get around to it.”   We lost him to colic in early 2025. I decided then that I am too old to procrastinate.

I called a longtime friend Sally Rosen. Our paths had crossed while eventing in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New York areas. Sally had retired her American Warmblood, Mayson, from competition but still rode him every day.  Mayson was 23, and I turned 80 the day before my ride at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina. Sally was as excited about the ride as I was.  I had to step up my game.

Sally’s coach, Jody Chessman, was a great help in four or five lessons. My confidence improved. I have to admit, dressage hadn’t been my favorite part of eventing. It did, however, make me realize the high level of skill and athleticism of both horse and rider when it’s done correctly.

Stable View is a perfect venue for eventing, dressage, and other equine activities, and the people running it are friendly and professional.

To me, Mayson is the star. He was willing and easy for me to ride. I’m sure my “rider aids” weren’t up to his standards, but we worked together pretty well.

Thanks to The Dressage Foundation, Sally, Jody, Jean Marie, and friends, and especially you, Mayson, for being such a great horse and a good sport. I hope you’ve had half as much fun as I had.  By the way, Mayson, we finished third out of five entries!