Teree Castanias and Rosie (UT)
Team #963: Teree Castanias and Rosie
From: Ivins, Utah
Ages: 73 & 27
Combined Ages: 100
Test: First Level Test 1
My wonderful mare, Coco Chanel, was Rosie’s dam. Rosie was born about 3 weeks early on April 28, 1998. Fortunately, Rick and I were there, as Coco thought standing and eating was better than giving birth! I ended up taking Rosie in my arms and laying her on the ground next to her mom. Coco went on eating until Rosie made the slightest sound, and then her mom instincts came to her, and she started licking Rosie all over. From then on, they were bonded, and it was beautiful to watch.
Rosie was handled a lot over the next few years, and became a very friendly, sweet, and well-mannered horse (mostly). She ended up being about 15.2 hands, which is a great size for me. I had several good trainers work with her in the first few years, and I did most of the riding at that time. We had all the same issues that everyone has with young horses, but we worked patiently through them. I was learning a lot during that time too! I have always enjoyed the training process more than showing. I did a few shows with Rosie, but mostly just worked with her on my own. We progressed up to about Fourth Level, but always had trouble with the flying changes!
Over the years, Rosie has helped a number of my friends regain their confidence in horses or learn how to train a horse. Rosie has always loved young people, and several young people (Erin, who was 13, and Gloria, who was 10 when they started riding Rosie) have done so well with her. It has been so fun to watch them enjoy this wonderful mare!
It has been such a joy to have Rosie in our life for all of these years. I am so happy that she is sound and healthy and still showing with Gloria now. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to do this Century Club ride with Renee Johnson as the judge.
