Lisa Sinnigen and Elvis (MA)
Team #985: Lisa Sinnigen and Elvis
From: Easthampton, Massachusetts
Ages: 80 & 23
Combined Age: 103
Test: Introductory Level Test B
Rockwood Deller Bert, aka Elvis, has been with the Cranston-Etzel family for 15 years. As a school horse for one of the daughters, he taught her and many young riders at Laura Etzel’s Infinity Equestrian. He is “semi-retired,” so I can have lessons and get my “equine fix” at least twice a week.
Preparing for the Century Club ride has brought up many memories of horses and rides I have had in my life (including fox hunting!). One horse I had in the 1970s (I had ridden his grandmother more than 20 years earlier!) developed colic and, despite surgery, had to be euthanized. At the equine hospital, I saw a woman veterinarian for the very first time (women had been strongly discouraged from veterinary medicine). After taking the prerequisite courses, I was accepted to veterinary school, and riding had to be put on hold.
At the beginning of my retirement, I had a couple of older horses to ride and enjoy. Eventually, I partnered with Elvis to learn some finer points of riding. Taylor Cranston of Integrity Horsemanship at Fuller Family Equestrian in Westhampton, Massachusetts, is very patient and helpful to me as I learn to ride better despite some physical limitations.
It was a joy to share this experience of becoming a member of the Century Club with Peg O’Neal and her horse Luna, all with the encouragement of Suzanne Mente. After our rides, we celebrated with friends, family, and other riders at the barn. Now, I hope I will earn “my age” on an upcoming dressage test!
