Nancy McCallum and Moondance RH (MI)
Team #931: Nancy McCallum and Moondance RH
From: Breckenridge, Michigan
Ages: 73 & 30
Combined Ages: 103
Test: Introductory Level Test B
My love for horses began when I was about 5 years old, in other words, for as long as I can remember. After several years of begging, my siblings and I convinced our parents to buy us a horse. My Dad enlisted the help of a friend who helped him find the perfect horse. Our first horse was a very sweet mare named Queen. She was a wonderfully kind and versatile teacher. My sisters and I tried so many new things with her. We went from bareback to Western and barrel racing. With her, our continuing confidence and skills led us to jumping and combined training.
During my years of interest in combined training, I learned to love dressage. At the time, I was a founding member of the Mid-Michigan Hunt & Hack club with my friend, Judi Whipple. Life’s opportunities led Judi to open a training and teaching facility in Vermont. Soon after her farm opened, we decided to merge our resources and buy a young Hanoverian. Twenty-eight years ago, Moondance RH entered the story. He proved to be a very feisty and talented prospect. His dressage training led him to recognized shows, Dressage4Kids, trick training, and eventually to becoming a solid school horse.
As Moondance’s training progressed, I fell in love with an exceptional Swedish Warmblood mare. Judi bought out my share of Moondance so I could have my very own dance partner. I always thought that mare, Valora, would be my Century Club ride mount, but that was not to be. Valora passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
After the passing of my dream horse, Judi generously offered to bring Moondance out of retirement and have him be my substitute Century Club partner. He stepped up to the plate with enthusiasm. I flew to Vermont several days before the schooling show so Moondance and I could get reacquainted. Moondance was so patient and stood rock still for my slow mounting process. My, soon to be replaced, left knee made for a stiff start, but we both rose to the occasion. I had my Century Club ride at a schooling show held at Judi Whipple’s Breckenridge Farm in Vermont judged by Linda Saba. The day of the show was perfect. Moondance was a rock star! I really couldn’t have asked for anything better. I am grateful for the encouragement of The Dressage Foundation, and the help of Judi and Moondance, for the opportunity to complete my Century Club ride.
