Linda Buhl and Regina (SC)
Team #958: Linda Buhl and Regina
From: Rembert, South Carolina
Ages: 73 & 27
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level Test 2
I was not born into a particularly “horsey family,” but fell in love with them at age three, because of a pony ride. As a child and horse-crazed adolescent, my happiest hours were spent at a local barn. I was generally underfoot but always learning and enjoying all things equine.
Fortunate enough to start riding lessons at age ten, I rode what was available on mounts of dubious distinction but with hearts of gold. My first lesson horse was a one-eyed geriatric Saddlebred named Genius. He always tried his best for any rider who pointed him in the general direction of a jump.
Horses were relegated to the back burner while I was in college and starting a career in social services. After marriage, I resumed riding at a hunter barn where I became enamored of fox hunting. I rode with The Camden Hunt and Middleton Place Hounds, both in South Carolina, on my first horse, Loyal Maiden.
Much later in life, I was introduced to dressage and found my true calling. I earned my USDF bronze medal and all breeds award at First Level on one of my first Irish Draught imports, Kilpeck Toy Story. Due to numerous health issues, he was put down while working towards our silver. Afterwards, I was fortunate enough to lease Regina from the Robinsons. Now in semi-retirement, I share Regina with her owner for light hacking. Regina was my partner for my Century Club ride.
Regina is a 1998 Dutch Warmblood mare. Imported from Holland by Valerie Swygert in 2010, she joined the Robinson family in 2012. She took, then junior rider, Ally Robinson from Training level to Prix St. Georges in six years, winning many championships along the way. When Ally left for college, her mother, Wendy Robinson, took over the reins. Wendy began showing her at Training Level, where the pair had a very successful show career as well. Regina is a true red-headed mare, opinionated, but a great privilege to ride.
