Shelly Abrams and Claremont (MD)
Team #941: Shelly Abrams and Claremont
From: Reisterstown, Maryland
Ages: 76 & 26
Combined Ages: 102
Test: Introductory Level Test b
I am honored to join the Century Club, and I am also amazed that I have been able to continue riding and being part of this wonderful equestrian world for so long. I started riding at age 45 when I took my then 12-year-old niece for her riding lessons on Saturday mornings. After a couple of months of being an observer, I casually mentioned to her instructor, “That looks like fun.” Before I knew it, decked out in jeans and tennis shoes, I was sitting on a Quarter Horse, and promptly falling off. Not to be deterred, here I am 31 years later, still doing my best to remain on the horse and in the ring.
Eventually, after several years, I met Laura Beetle, who introduced me to dressage and with whom I continue to ride. In fact, that very first year, she invited me to come to Dressage at Devon with her and a friend. There, on a memorable Saturday night, I watched George Williams ride down the center line on Rocher. I immediately said to Laura, “I want to do that!” Although that dream never came to fruition, I was and still am hooked on the beauty, splendor, and athleticism of dressage.
As everyone knows, I hate being the center of attention, but Laura convinced me that joining the Century Club would be momentous, and it was. I now ride the sweet, safe, and sane Claire, owned by Jane Muller. She is the perfect horse for me, and I am forever grateful to Laura and Jane, as well as to all the wonderful horses and friends I have met over the years. Life would not be so much fun without them.
