The bond between horse and rider is a special one. It’s extra special when that time together adds up to 100 years.

This year, Karen Stapf and her horse, Corie, were inducted into The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club, a program that recognizes senior riders and horses whose ages add up to 100 or more years.

Corie was a 50^th birthday present to Karen from her late husband. Now, 24 years later, Karen and Corie are still riding together. But the journey hasn’t been without its scares. 

In 2004, while Karen was out of the country, Corie began showing signs of illness. He was acting depressed and running a high temperature. Although Corie had been vaccinated, his primary veterinarians began treating him for Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) with antibiotics and fluid therapy, which had recently popped up in a number of local cases.

After 24 hours, Corie’s condition was deteriorating. His primary veterinarians recommended that he be transferred  to the MSU Veterinary Medical Center’s Large Animal Clinic. During transit, Karen received a phone call from her daughter saying that it was uncertain whether Corie would make it to MSU alive.

But he did make it, and upon arrival, Dr. Betsy Carr began evaluation and treatment right away. Karen returned to the United States 48 hours later, but it would take Corie an entire month to make it home.  

Karen drove to MSU every single afternoon  to watch over Corie through a small isolation window, and spoke with whoever was tending him at that time. 

“Dr. Carr called me each morning after rounds to give me an update,” said Karen. “It seemed someone was always with him, taking vitals, replacing pulled out lines, and icing his feet. He was fed intravenously for three weeks.” 

Tests revealed that Corie did have PHF, and that it had been complicated by a Salmonella infection. His prognosis was not good.

“One day, I received a call from Betsy, and I was sure she was going to tell me that we lost him,” said Karen. “But no, it was to tell me that he ate on his own from a smorgasbord of offerings!”

On the day Corie left the Hospital, Karen said it seemed as though the entire equine staff came out to say goodbye and applaud Corie. 

“I will be forever grateful to everyone at the MSU Veterinary Medical Center,” said Karen. “They not only saved my boy’s life, but gave me another 13 years and counting with him.”

Those 13 years got Karen and Corie into the Century Club. Karen said she remembers how exciting it was during the test.

“The night of the test, we had a big group, all taking photographs and cheering,” said Karen. “I felt quite emotional. My mind went back to all our adventures together. But most of all, the fact that Corie shouldn’t have been there. He was only there because of the dedicated staff at MSU led by Dr. Carr.”

Today, Karen and Corie are busy enjoying day-to-day life, and Karen will always remember their experience at MSU.

“Thank you once again,” said Karen, “and a big hello to the MSU team and Dr. Carr, my hero.”