Congratulations to Willa Rose and her incredible mare, Sabrina – my “War Horse of the Black” as Rose says. This inspiring duo competed last weekend at the Working Equitation Club’s Summer Solstice 2024 USAWE licensed show, where they were honored with the USAWE Century Ride Award.
Rose shares her story of her century ride below.
Willa Rose has been a dedicated member of USAWE and has served as the AO Manager for Working Equitation Club Idaho LLC since 2021, establishing the first AO in southern Idaho. Three years ago, I learned about The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club, which recognizes Dressage riders and horses with a combined age of 100 years or more. I immediately thought of Sabrina, my versatile horse who has excelled at everything from jumping and jousting to horseback archery and swordplay.
At our Working Equitation Club’s Summer Solstice 2024 USAWE licensed show, we rode our Dressage test. This performance not only qualified us for The Dressage Foundation’s yearly magazine but was also the only Dressage test performed within a Working Equitation show context, showcasing our sport’s unique adaptability.
The process began with an early application, leading to a beautiful gold and black ribbon from the Foundation. After submitting our test scores, story, and a photograph for publication, the commemorative plaque finally arrived. I wholeheartedly encourage any qualified pair with a combined age of 100+ to pursue this honor. It feels incredibly rewarding to do something so special for such a magnificent horse. Sabrina is now fully retired, enjoying her well-deserved golden years alongside her partner, Majestic.
But Wait – There’s More! A Surprise from USAWE!
To my absolute delight, a few days ago, I opened a box from USAWE to find a fantastic red, white, and blue ribbon adorned with a silver plate, bearing the same honorable mention! I am truly beaming with excitement. What a wonderful organization USAWE is! A huge thank you to USAWE for including us in this new and exciting award opportunity. It’s an honor to be recognized by both organizations for this unique achievement.
