A Tuscan Adventure

Mary Alice Brown, winner of the GMHA’s annual event raffle, took off for Tuscany over the weekend. As one of the longest competing eventers in the USA, Mary Alice has been riding since the age of 18. Despite a painful knee surgery in 2008, she is still competing in jumping competitions and training with Traveler, her four year old Oldenburg. A traveler herself, Mary has been horseback riding in Ireland, England, Africa, and Scotland. She has covered a lot of territory over the past 54 years, and this week, joins good friend Sarah Stableford on Equitours Feast of the Conquerors Ride. A horse enthusiast through and through, sixty three year old Sarah Stableford views this equestrian vacation as an opportunity to explore. When Mary Alice called with the winning ticket in hand, Sarah says she was “stunned speechless” at the prospect of horseback riding in Italy. Having never been outside of the country, she looks forward to the physical and emotional experience of discovering a different culture.

While I am familiar with the ride, and with our clients’ reviews, I am always curious about each rider’s journey, especially dedicated riders and eventers like Sarah and Mary Alice. These two have been friends for “a decade or two,” and share a similar love for horses and enthusiasm for life’s adventures. I can’t wait to hear the stories upon their return home. Until then, Bon Voyage!

Mary Alice competing on Celeste

Sarah on Princess Erin Fall 2008