"Meet" New Members

Team #1,011: Linda Twigfire and St Patrick
From: San Francisco, California
Ages: 77 & 25
Combined Age: 102
Test: Introductory Level Test A

Patrick and I met when I was 52 years old and he was almost six. We were both green – not the best combination. I’m an animal lover. I had dogs and cats most of my life, but never a horse.

Life went on as it so often does; school, jobs, the odd adventure – a motorcycle when I was in my 30s. Horses weren’t on my mind until I hit 50. Then I thought maybe I’ll get a vintage Vespa Motor Scooter. Then, I thought “well a horse has a mind of its own so maybe that would be more challenging.” Truer words were never spoken.

Thus began my search for the horse I would need. I decided on an all around Morgan horse. A breed that originated in New England where I came from. Then I found Haley Mae in Petaluma, California.

I had been taking natural horsemanship lessons so I went into the small arena to lunge her. Well, she lunged herself. I took the pressure off her – I didn’t look at her – but she raced around the arena. I knelt down – she didn’t slow down. Finally, I just laid down in the dirt and she kept going.

I didn’t know anything, but I knew that mare was too much for me. The trainer, Nathalie, said “Maybe you should meet her son, Patrick.” I said “ok.” Now it’s 19 years later. Patrick and I have bonded.

He became my trail buddy. With my new friend, Marie, we had many adventures on the trails in Sonoma County, California. I’m still pretty green, but I don’t care – as long as the ground stays below me, the sky above, and Patrick in between, I’m happy.