‘I guess I don’t see myself as old at all’
RIDER: Nancy Wolnowsky, 63, a retired former automotive industry worker who lives in South Carolina, USA
HORSE: Jet, a 14hh, 15-year-old Quarter Horse x Carolina Marsh Tacky who she has owned for three years
When did you start to ride?
My earliest memory of riding is my parents taking me to a local park where you could get on a pony and go round in a circle. I was hooked. I had horse posters in my bedroom and lots of model horses growing up, but my parents couldn’t afford lessons. Once I had a steady career I decided to make my dream happen and so I started riding properly when I was 37.
Have you ever taken any breaks?
I took a year out after losing my heart horse in 2020. We had been together for 10 years. Six months later I lost my mother. I really had a hard time, but then I found my little Jet. I went to ride him and afterwards he followed me around the arena. I had to take him home.
How did you get involved with #Hack1000miles?
I’ve mostly hacked over the years. I boarded my first horse at a facility that had a lot of trails, and I’ve also enjoyed endurance and fun rides over the years. I get Your Horse magazine through my local library and I saw the challenge advertised. I may never get to 1,000 miles, but it’s fun to track.
How long do you hope to continue riding?
I plan to keep going as long as I can. I guess I don’t see myself as old at all. I can still spring up into the saddle. When the time comes to stop riding I’d like to take on an older horse and do liberty and just spend time together.