Ruth Murray and Apollo (WA)
Team #1,013: Ruth Murray and Apollo
From: Silverdale, Washington
Ages: 70 & 30
Combined Age: 100
Test: Introductory Level Test B
My earliest memories of horses probably began at five years old. As a 12-year-old, I rescued a two-year-old Thoroughbred who was on death’s door. With my parents’ help and a vet that didn’t give up on him, he survived. I learned to ride by the seat of my pants and had many wonderful years of riding with Lucky.
Eventually, my daughter, Christine, at age 12, started taking dressage lessons with Jill Seely. When she left for West Point, she told me to take her lesson spot with Jill, where I started my dressage journey. Christine eventually moved back to Washington with Apollo, showing him at Prix St Georges. He is a 16.1 hand bay Arabian-Warmblood cross with a very cute, dished face and a huge whinny. He was very particular with riders, but he graciously tolerated me. He came to live with me several years ago.
Apollo, at age 30, and I, at age 70, showed at our Lower Puget Sound Dressage Club show on May 3rd, 2026, and received a score of 71.8%. He seemed to enjoy the limelight and cheers, and I told him he would be permanently retired.
I am grateful to have a supportive husband and a daughter with whom I can ride and share my love of horses.
It was truly an honor to partner with Apollo for our Century Club ride.
