Mary Tompkins and Deep Blue (NC)
Team #864: Mary Tompkins and Deep Blue
From: Apex, North Carolina
Ages: 75 & 26
Combined Age: 101
Test: Training Level Test 2
I’ve been riding since my parents gave me lessons for my 11th birthday. I spent the first 15 years fox hunting in Illinois. My introduction to dressage came through the first horse my parents bought—a Saddlebred trained to Intermediaire I. He was incredibly agile in the hunt field thanks to his dressage background.
I took a break from riding to attend veterinary school and earn a Ph.D. After completing my education, I joined the faculty at North Carolina State University. Shortly after moving to North Carolina, I met Susan Wiedman, and we’ve been working together ever since. With her help, I’ve brought several horses along from Training Level to Prix St. Georges.
Ten years ago, I purchased Deep Blue, a black Westphalian gelding trained to Grand Prix. He is a joy to ride but can be quite a challenge in the show ring. He believes he’s in charge and often throws in tempi changes—his favorite thing to do—whenever we cross the diagonal, regardless of the level we're showing. Despite this, I was able to compete him through Prix St. Georges and earn the scores I needed for my USDF bronze and silver medals.
Now 26 years old, Deep Blue is still a handful in the ring. That’s why, for my Century Club ride, I’ve chosen to ride a Training Level test with him.
