Linda Butz and BR Dannys Secret (PA)
Team #921: Linda Butz and BR Dannys Secret
From: Wayne, Pennsylvania
Ages: 77 & 23
Combined Ages: 100
Test: Grand Prix
Secret and I joined the Century Club on August 29, 2025, at the ESDCTA Garden State Classic riding FEI Grand Prix. I purchased Secret 17 years ago from her breeder in Wisconsin. The original plan was to trail ride and hop over some small jumps, but Secret made it clear that she preferred dressage. She is dual registered Friesian Sport Horse Registry and Half-Arabian.
I always loved horses and at age 58 decided to take some lessons so I could do the long trail ride at a vacation resort (you had to be able to canter!). My first lessons were on Secret’s half-brother, Teddy, and I fell in love. Four months later, I purchased Secret. Beginners’ luck was with me in selecting this wonderful mare.
Secret began climbing the dressage levels with a professional trainer. In 2019, Sara Schmitt took over the reins and completed her training to Grand Prix. In 2020, Sara and Secret were part Team Biostar at the Challenge of The Americas in Wellington, Florida. In 2021, Maggie O’Leary, Sara’s assistant trainer, completed her USDF gold medal on Secret.
I was awarded the USDF bronze medal with Secret in 2019 and the silver medal in 2023. In 2024, we made the jump to Grand Prix. I have enjoyed every minute of my dressage journey with this amazing 14.3-hand powerhouse. She makes us laugh every day, and I hope we have many more rides together.
