1994: The Year to Be Young

Stephen Wilson Jr.’s song “Year to Be Young 1994” resonates deeply with me because that year holds so many memories and milestones. I was right in the middle of high school and just beginning to figure out this thing called dressage. MTV, sweatshirts that said “No Fear,” passing notes in class, Boyz II Men, and no cell phones. Oh, what an amazing time to be young!

I had just started taking clinics with Mike Osinski and was even giving Pony Club a try. My equine partner was Mehr’s Eloquence, better known as Quincy, and we were both learning the ropes of the dressage arena.

At the time, Quincy was particularly well known in the Morgan show world, and he certainly wasn't known for being a well-behaved participant. He also wasn't what you would call a classic beauty. How do I know? Because we spent a summer on the Morgan show circuit, and everyone knew exactly who I was riding!

After that show season, we tried moving cattle. He went lame within the first half hour. We tried jumping, but he wasn't exactly brave. Then Mike Osinski entered the picture, and we discovered that dressage was the perfect discipline for the incredible mind Quincy possessed.

We made our first entrance into the show ring with his tail dragging a foot behind him and his mane blowing in the wind. We certainly didn't have the traditional look, but we sure cleaned up at the show!

Quincy was there for so many of my firsts. He was my first love, my first show horse, my first dressage partner, my first Grand Prix horse, and eventually, my daughter's first ride. I could lead him around by his chin, and he absolutely loved tormenting our stallion, Iron Forge Starman.

You wouldn't necessarily walk into a field and pick Quincy as your next dressage star. His conformation may not have fit the mold, but his mind more than made up for anything he lacked in physical appearance. He had a way of connecting with people that was truly special. And those hugs! He would pull you right in with his chin, as if he knew exactly how much you needed one.

Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have a horse like Quincy during those formative years. He taught me that greatness doesn't always come in the package you expect, and that the right partnership can take you places you never imagined.

He is exactly the kind of horse I hope every young girl gets to have in her teenage years. The one who teaches you, challenges you, makes you laugh, and stays with you long after the rides are over.

1994 gave me so much more than the beginning of a dressage career. It gave me a partner who helped shape the horsewoman, and the person, I would become. ❤️