Thanks to advances in both human and veterinary medicine, we humans and our horses are living longer, fuller lives. And for horse people, quality of life means continuing time in the saddle. While we may opt to leave the jumping or barrel racing to the “kids”, riders of a certain age have found enjoyment in dressage. Of course, you can fall off any horse that spooks or takes a bad step, but it is less of an adrenaline sport that can suit aging bodies.
Celebrating older horses and riders is The Century Club, a part of the Dressage Foundation, which recognizes dressage riders and horses whose combined ages total 100 years or more. To date the club has over 660 members; one such person who recently rode onto the list was Janet Haddon of Pittsburg, PA, who is 80, and her 20-year-old horse Pippin, a Canadian Warmblood who was a former para-equestrian horse.
To qualify for the list, other than your combined ages, the equestrian duo ride a test of any level at a show (schooling or recognized) or event that is scored by a judge or professional. Western Dressage is also included in the Century Club. According to its website, the Century Club ride has become a serious endeavor that encourages and rewards older senior riders, “And while we stress the serious nature of riding a test, we want all senior riders for the Century Club to have fun!”