Laurie Zimmerman and Meika (VA)
Team #1085: Laurie Zimmerman and Meika
From: Manassas, Virginia
Ages 76 & 24
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level Test 2
From the moment Laurie climbed into a saddle at age ten, horses have shaped every chapter of her life. She bought her first horse, a palomino mare named Goldie, at thirteen for just $150, an imperfect but beloved partner who sparked a lifelong passion. As a teenager in Minnesota, she worked at North Oaks Stables for two dollars a day, grooming, guiding trail rides, and learning from every horse she could. When a timid rider offered her a spirited Quarter Horse named Sunny Lad for five dollars, her world expanded. With Sunny, she learned to jump, began showing, and even hunted with the Long Lake Hounds while still in high school.
Though Laurie sold Sunny to pursue a nursing degree, horses remained constant. She later built a hobby farm in Shakopee and evented with Robin, a fiery chestnut Appaloosa. Her daughter grew up riding alongside her, sharing thirteen years of eventing before turning to dressage, a shift she herself made after a serious fall.
A move to Virginia brought new beginnings and, eventually, Meika, the mare who became her heart horse. Though Meika was far older than expected, she carried her rider on a long‑dreamed‑of Century Club ride. On a perfect day filled with nerves, joy, and a surprise celebration of crowns, champagne, and cake, she completed a beautiful, steady test—66 years into her riding journey.
It was everything she could have hoped for. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll do it again next year on her daughter’s horse.
