Mary A. Johnson and Gabe’s Limited Edition (MI)
Team #1,022: Mary A. Johnson and Gabe’s Limited Edition
From: Plainwell, Michigan
Ages: 81 & 19
Combined Age: 100
Test: First Level Freestyle
My riding journey started in Newberg, New York, when my grandmother’s friend put me on a pony in the back yard to bounce around a ring while they played cards. Sore butt, but I was hooked. My mom had to foot for the lessons, trail riding and letting me clean stalls for rides at the Blue Ridge Stables in Paramus, New Jersey, for years after that. Fast forward through school, college, kids, and teaching with no riding.
At 30 years old, I bought my first horse (and ponies for the kids). The red Thoroughbred mare was a little unpredictable and taught me to stick to the saddle. 50 years later I am still riding, showing, cleaning stalls and putting on dressage shows. I’ve shown Thoroughbreds and Draft crosses, but have finally reconciled, (after several broken bones, dislocations, and a severed finger), that I should be on something quieter, less broad and closer to the ground.
I have been showing dressage for 30 years. I am a proud, 20-year board member with GLASS-ED Dressage (USDF GMO), and secretary for dressage shows for 19 years. Riding every day just makes my day!
Many thanks to my husband, Roy, and to Julie and Shawn for putting up with my obsession. To my dear friends and instructors, Margaret Spender and Bernadette Radke for their support, guidance, wisdom and encouragement over the years. And to all my wonderful horses who put up with me and taught me so much.
