| Age proves no boundary for Oregon woman
FORT WORTH, TEXAS—What do you plan on doing when you’re about to turn 70 years old? Do some traveling, maybe fish or sew a little?
What about plan for your next win at the Oregon Mountain Trail Championship?
Carol Storke of Silverton, Oregon, is doing just that. Storke, a member of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), has been riding for as long as she can remember, so at 69 years of age, she is no rookie when it comes to sitting in the saddle.
Along with her partner, HBF Flit Rapped, better known as “Annie,” Storke was the most recent winner in the Oregon Mountain Trail Championship’s Senior Spring Challenge, held in Eugene, Oregon. She also took the first-place title in the Open Division Championship last November at the same event. In both she beat approximately 30 other competitors.
Storke and her 10-year-old sorrel overo Paint mare are now practicing for the next Oregon Mountain Trail Championship, which will be held Nov. 10-12.
The pair ride daily, but at least twice a week they travel up into the mountains near their home in Oregon and ride the rigorous trails found there.
“Any time I am out on a real trail ride, I look for obstacles,” Storke said. “This is great practice for the competition.”
Storke explained that the mountain trail competition is different from other trail events, in that it is held at an indoor arena that has been designed to look like the great outdoors. Props include everything from real 15-foot-tall fir trees, boulders, logs and bridges, to mountains of dirt, waterways and fog machines.
According to Storke, a lot of the horses are not fond of the creeks and the waterfalls. She recalled how some horses refused to cross the streams. That was not the case, however, with her horse.
“Annie took a little sniff of the water and kept right on going,” Storke said.
Although Storke describes the mountain trail competition as “extreme,” she said that not once has she been afraid while riding Annie.
“I am very fortunate to have found a horse like Annie,” Stoke said. “I know she will always give me 100 percent when I ask for it in competition.”
Storke and Annie are veterans when it comes to winning.
“We were Novice Trail champs on the APHA California trail circuit in 2002,” Storke said.
That same year, they were listed on the National Novice Amateur Trail Honor Roll. I addition to APHA trail competition, Storke is also trying her hand at dressage.
The year ahead looks like a busy one for Storke and Annie, practicing for APHA shows, dressage competitions and planning for another win this November at the Oregon Mountain Trail Championship.
Obviously age has not a factor for this Oregon woman.
“I will keep competing as long as I can get on and off my horse without assistance, and can drive a rig by myself,” said Storke.
More about APHA
Among the many qualities that make Paint Horses desirable are their sound conformation, versatile athletic ability, intelligence, calm temperament, willing disposition and beautiful coat color patterns. For more information about the Paint Horse or the American Paint Horse Association and its activities and programs, visit apha.com or call (817) 834-2742.
More about the Oregon Mountain Trail Competition
For more information about the Oregon Mountain Trail Competition, visit oregonhorsecenter.com
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