Team 31 - Dressage Storm

Hello Everyone! 

My name is Jennifer and this is my first Derby thanks to an old Pony Club friend who mentioned this on Facebook.  My family and I just moved to East Texas last summer and I signed up for the Derby to motivate me to get into the saddle, explore our 21 acres and the two National Forests we are sandwiched between.  I have been riding for 27 years and can't imagine never having my own horse.  My passion began 26 years ago when my parents bought me Quisto Quest,  a beautiful 3 year old leopard Appaloosa.  Growing up thru Pony Club we did a little bit of everything: Eventing, Jumpers, Dressage, Trails, Games, even Barrel Racing in an English saddle. Quisto is now 29 years old and is enjoying retirement life. 

I will be riding my two Dressage horses in the Derby for fun this year.  Woodruff Dancer is a Mahogany Bay, 16.1 hh English Shire X TB.  I've had him since he was a yearly and broke him myself.  We've done many a shows together.  Can't wait to hit the trails with him this year.

I will also be riding Dancer's cousin, Woodruff Vivaldi, aka " Spanky".  He is a Dapple Grey, 17.1 hh English Shire X TB.  I've had him for about 1.5 years now.  My husband bought him before he deployed to Qatar as a birthday present for me from a family friend.  He and I have just started our relationship but I have already had to go out of my comfort zone with him.  lol  A very different personality than what I had been use to, but also very rewarding.  This year out on the trails should be exciting.

Yes, I know... not the breed or discipline you typically see doing trails, but I firmly believe you have to keep things interesting for these guys to keep the relationship healthy.  I am looking forward to the Derby. 

See y'all on the virtual trails!!!

the picture with me in a wedding dress is Wooduff Dancer and the other pic is Woodurff Vivaldi