I first met Dorothy 20 years ago, in what would become such a
familiar setting, at a riding clinic. I remember being beyond nervous,
and as I approached the indoor I heard a voice that seemed to carry on
through the walls to the car port where we were tacking up. “Keep the
connection”, all I could think was, that sounds funny yet frightening at
the same time. Luckily I was aboard the best pony around, so even if I
was making circles like a drunk sailor, she would adjust and make them
rounder for me. I still remember that lesson as we were working on leg
yields, and I had no idea at the start what I was doing, and
continually apologizing for messing up. Yet the entire time Dorothy was
nothing but patient and kind; laughing along the way and encouraging
my nervous D2 self. She seemed to have endless tools to help you figure
things out, and through out the lesson I could feel her wanting me to
succeed. That I think is what I remember most. It is a rare gift,
wanting someone to succeed and be successful. I was never that
confident growing up, in any aspect really and riding became my
relaxing outlet; horses are magical and kind, after all. But riding
also made me nervous, I wanted to be competent to the point it made me
hesitate. Dorothy had the ability as an instructor to teach you how to
ride through mistakes un-bothered, while instilling in you a drive
towards utter competence. She had such an air about her, you felt like
she was there every step of the lesson reminding you it’s ok if you
mess up, go on your circle and take a breath, then re approach the
movement. Over the years Dorothy created these little moments of
perfect harmony, and every time she would smile as she’d say “now
you’ve got it”. Every year from that first lesson I would ride with
Dorothy in clinics, and she would become one of my absolute favorite
instructors to work with. I remember prepping for my B Pony Club rating
with her aboard Mad Madigan, whom she had helped me over the years
develop; she always loved his square build and steady paces. Dorothy
worked for almost two hours that day with us, telling us what to focus
on in our warm up as well as developing a mock dressage test that would
show off his strong areas while including the required movements.
Thanks to all her help, and constant encouragement, the B test was a
breeze; we even exceeded standards on all areas of our flat work. I
remember seeing her later that year for a clinic and being excited to
tell her that, she’d smile while saying “and did you expect anything
but that”. Dorothy was passionate about helping you improve your
riding, and she genuinely cared about you as a person and as a rider.
Over the years after the B test, I would ride a bit more infrequently,
college made it more of a seasonal thing. But each year I would end up
seeing her for at least a clinic or two and catch back up. These
moments, even as they were fewer, I always looked forward to. Her
kindness, and her ability to make you feel like you can accomplish
things, even through your doubts, are things I will always remember. I
can’t thank her enough for shaping me as a rider and as a person, and
instilling in me her unwavering resolve to keep trying through ups and
downs. Thank you Dorothy, for being such a wonderful friend and person, I
will strive to always keep the connection.
– Rocco Blaine Henderson
Dorothy Maxfield 