Sandy Monolo and Justawee Camelot (VA)
Team #876: Sandy Monolo and Justawee Camelot
From: Beaverdam, Virginia
Ages: 78 & 23
Combined Age: 101
Test: Introductory Level Test B
I wish to thank The Dressage Foundation for recognizing senior horses and riders who are still competing.
I have always loved horses. At age 14, I finally got my first horse and spent many hours riding bareback around the farm. While in college, I spent four years learning forward seat and jumping. Later, after marriage and raising four children, I bought my first Morgan. My Morgans were shown in hunter pleasure and trail classes, ridden on the trails, and even participated in local parades.
Eventually, I discovered dressage and have spent many years learning to find my core strength and center, rather than focusing on a forward seat.
I now ride my Morgan gelding, Justawee Thor, in classical dressage and musical freestyles. We’ve done well at Training Level and have finally moved up to First Level. After hearing about the Century Club ride, it became one of my goals. At age 78 and following the loss of one of my younger brothers, I felt a strong need to move forward.
Thor is still too young, so my sister-in-law, Sharon Smith, graciously allowed me to ride her 23-year-old Morgan, Justawee Camelot (Todd), who happens to be Thor’s brother.
We competed at Dressage at Deep Run and won our Intro B class with a 69.063%. There was a lovely presentation in the center ring, complete with ribbons, a picture frame, and a big, beautiful bouquet.
Once again, thank you to The Dressage Foundation for the opportunity to show and become a member of the Century Club.
