Sarah Oxnard and Tower Hill’s Breeze (NH)
Team #1064: Sarah Oxnard and Tower Hill’s Breeze
From: Exeter, New Hampshire
Ages 78 & 22
Combined Age: 100
Test: Training Level Test 3
I bought Tower Hill’s Breeze (*Kilfenora Windy Isles x Tower Hill’s Kathleen (Chiltern Copa of Tower Hill)) in 2005 as a yearling. She was the last of the Tower Hill ponies and when her dam left and the cows moved into the indoor Mary and Rogers Rutter had built. Breeze started her competition career by winning the Youngstock Trophy in American Connemara Pony Society (ACPS) Region 1 when she was one, two, and three. I started riding her and we competed in dressage at University of New Hampshire and Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA). She has always done well in-hand in ACPS Region 1 and at the New York State Breeder’s Show, and less well at Dressage at Devon! She took time out to have two foals while I rode another pony. In 2018, she was recruited by Susan Oakes to ride in the St. Paddy’s Day Parade in Boston, riding sidesaddle with her friend Elphin Kookaburra which was a success. Our last dressage competition was in 2019 at First Level. In 2023 and 2024, we tried working equitation which was great fun.
By 2025, Breeze had had some stiffness, and I was ready for a new challenge. I read about a Century Club ride by another member on a borrowed schoolmaster. I realized that the math was right and Breeze and I could try in 2026. We spent the winter getting back into shape, did two shows this spring, and by July we were ready! At one of those (recognized) shows I earned the High Point Connemara and an Open Show ribbon.
I scheduled my Training Level Test 3 at the Central Vermont Dressage Association (CVDA) show which runs parallel to the Region 1 ACPS show at GMHA in Vermont. CVDA was very welcoming and helpful. Breeze was scrubbed and braided, and the Connemara folks were there rooting for us. We earned a 68.8%. some positive remarks, and we received a big ribbon, flowers and a certificate.
I am especially thankful to my enablers who have kept Breeze and me going. Beth Adams at 4.0 Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire, has looked after her for 20 years. Regular farrier work was done by Bill McPhee for decades and now his nephew Tim McPhee. My great lameness vet, Christine Cormier DVM, and my trainer, Cyndy West, have enabled us to get back into dressage. And of course, my family members who tolerate my hours away “at the barn” and my Connemara friends who share my addiction. I recommend you all give it a whirl -- Connemara’s and their people have pretty good longevity!
Photo by Creek Dreams Studio
