By Jackie Gallant

For those of us entering our “golden years,” continuing to ride horses brings both joy and new challenges. While galloping across fields was once exhilarating, at 70-plus it becomes risky. Age brings arthritis, osteoporosis, and muscle loss, all of which affect balance, strength, and reaction time — critical elements in any equestrian discipline, including dressage.

Dressage may not involve jumps or gallops, but it demands focus, coordination, and fitness. Muscle memory helps, but an aging body often doesn’t respond as swiftly. Yet, many of us aren’t ready to hang up our saddles. That’s where the Century Club comes in — a tribute to the long-standing bond between horse and rider.

From the US to Canada

The American Dressage Foundation (ADF) created the Century Club in 1996 to honour riders and horses whose combined age reaches 100. Participants perform a dressage test at a clinic, show, or event before a certified judge. However, in 2024, the ADF discontinued support for Canadian participants unless awards could be mailed to a US address.

Having joined the ADF Century Club in 2023 with my 32-year-old Quarter Horse, Donnie, I was disappointed to see it end. At 68, I knew it was likely our last chance to do something like this together. We rode our test during a clinic at our barn, with a judge providing feedback. Friends and family came to support us—it was an emotional and unforgettable day.

With ADF’s permission to replicate the program in Canada, I reached out to CADORA Inc., Ontario Dressage, Equestrian Canada (EC), and other organizations. The support was overwhelming. Together, we launched the Century Club of Canada, with CADORA Inc. housing the program and designing its logo. Our first custom rosette was created for an upcoming team.

The First Canadian Century Team

In August 2024, Carole Walton (85) and her mare Little Miss Crimson “Sylvie” (17) became Team 001 of the Century Club of Canada. Carole rode a Western Dressage test at a show in British Columbia (BC). Her lifelong passion for horses had begun at age five when she climbed onto a saddle during a parade — and she’s never looked back.

Over the decades, Carole has been active in the American Quarter Horse Association, Western show circuits, and served as a Master Course Conductor with Horse Council BC. Sylvie, her 15.2-hand sorrel mare, was born on Carole’s farm and has been her loyal partner ever since. Together, they’ve competed in Western Dressage and Working Equitation at the 55+ Games in BC.

Carole described the Games as “a wonderful experience… I had never done it before; it was brand new to me.” Her journey is a shining example that age is no barrier to pursuing what we love.

Joining the Century Club

The Century Club of Canada is open to anyone riding either English, Working Equitation, Dressage, or Western Dressage. The requirements are simple:

Eligibility: Combined horse and rider age must be 100 or more, and proof of age is required for both (e.g., birth certificate, passport, registration papers).

Tests: For sanctioned show EC/USEF tests are used, but for 

any other event you would ride the CADORA tests. The Western Dressage tests would be used for either sanctioned or non-sanctioned, and the Working Equitation Dressage tests would be used in that event.

Entry Requirements: Riders must join CADORA Inc. and their provincial organization. A sports licence may be needed for sanctioned events.

Recognition: Each qualifying team receives a rosette and plaque at no cost. Non-competitive (hors concours) rides are accepted as long as a score sheet is submitted.

Application: Forms are available on the CADORA Inc. website.

Every application is considered individually to accommodate different needs. The goal is to make this program accessible and celebratory, not bureaucratic.

A Lifelong Passion

Programs like the Century Club help break the stigma that aging means slowing down or stopping altogether. Riders like Carole, and even the late Queen Elizabeth II who rode into her 90s, remind us that age should never define our capabilities.

As the administrator for the Century Club of Canada, I welcome all inquiries and applications. For more information, contact me at gavingallant.jg@gmail.com.

Let’s ride into the future — proud, passionate, and together.

Related: Riding Horses After Sixty

Related: Changing Equine Disciplines

Main Photo: Carole Walton and Little Miss Crimson in their Century Ride.

Photos by Clio Rose Photography