Never too late to start Dressage

Dressage promotes physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. It offers less risk than jumping or cross country and emphasizes safety through riding precise movements and appropriate equipment such as helmets. Dressage also requires core strength and flexibility, so it's the perfect discipline to encourage individuals to include other fitness routines in their daily life and it keeps your mind sharp.

Wendy Brown with Kate Sulzbach onboard of "Gus"

It's not surprising then that SBC-CDS member Wendy Brown started riding at 65. She owns Fogoso WC, a 16-year old black Andalusian gelding in training with Kate Sulzbach at In the Irons Farms. Lovingly referred to as "Gus" around the barn, he is a patient and good natured boy.

Riding is Wendy's favorite pastime, even though she and her husband have been enjoying Santa Barbara for 10 years and there are plenty of other fun things to do. They love Santa Barbara. They feel very fortunate to have made it their permanent home, as their children, grandchildren, Wendy's dad and one of her brothers all live here, too.

Even though she's still a beginner Dressage rider, Wendy is looking forward to improving her riding and doing more virtual shows over the next year. The comfort of the home environment at In the Irons Farms and encouragement from trainer Kate make the virtual shows her favorite, but she's very supportive of Kate showing Gus at the next Earl Warren Show.

As part of the chapter, Wendy is looking forward to the Earl Warren Shows, the chapter sponsored clinics and volunteering at the shows.  She really likes the people in the chapter, who she thinks are all very fun and funny, kind and good company.

Besides volunteering at the next SBC-CDS recognized show, she's hoping to participate in the century ride where she can present her skills in communication, precision and harmony between her and her equine partner.