Bangor woman takes national equestrian honors

BANGOR – Riding horses is a relatively new interest for Brenda Varney, 62, but recently it led to a national equestrian championship.

For her, the activity began when she bought a pony for her first grandchild. Varney, of Bangor, said she wanted the pony to be big enough so that they both could ride it. She enjoyed riding the pony herself, and this interest blossomed into showing in equestrian events, which she has done for about five years.

Varney’s most recent event was the Grand National World Championship, held Oct. 6-13 in Oklahoma City. First she won the Grand National Championship in the Amateur English Ladies Saddle division, qualifying her to participate in the World National Championship, which was held Oct. 13. Varney placed eighth.

The horse Varney rode in both competitions is a 7-year-old gelding named Aspenglow Genesis.

“He’s a wonderful horse. He loves to show, he loves what he does,” Varney said, adding that people love to watch him. “When he comes in the ring, with all the excitement he puffs right up and sets right up for the occasion.”

Varney said she is someone who likes to be at home, and enjoys being with her grandchildren. Though she never drove outside of Maine until she had to, last year she drove weekly for four months to Rhode Island, where she has some show horses. She still drives to Rhode Island, though not as often.