A Heart for Horses
story by kim poovey photography by susan deloach
Traversing down the dusty drive, a glassy pond mirrors a southern
style home in the midst of sprawling oaks and lush green pastures. As
the path curves, a barn looms ahead with horses grazing in nearby
paddocks. Broomfield Stables is the home of Dorinda and Michael Mark,
three horses, three dogs, a cat, and Willie the donkey, or as he is
better known, the Broomfield greeter. Willy of Broomfield is a
50-year-old Bethlehem donkey who came to live with Dorinda nearly 25
years ago. He wanders about the farm greeting all who are willing to
share a treat with him. In addition to the warm welcome, an alarm
system, consisting of an English setter, a chocolate lab, and an
energetic Jack Russell, sounds off when visitors arrive.
Each morning as the sun peeks over the horizon and a silky mist
hovers above the pond, Dorinda follows the dirt path, with dogs at her
heels, to the barn. Flipping on the lights, a chorus of soft nickers
echoes through the aisle with the fresh smell of hay wafting on the
air. Another day at Broomfield Stables has begun.
Born and raised in Beaufort, Dorinda Mark has been an equestrian
for most of her life, having taken up the sport at the age of 13 when
she purchased her first horse, a Palomino, affectionately named
Snoopy. In high school, Dorinda began taking lessons from Meritta
Hamil at Bridle Pine Stables. Like most burgeoning riders, she worked
to pay for her lessons by mucking stalls, feeding and turning out
horses and cleaning tack. Her first horseshow at the Saddle and Bridle
Club was quite an experience. Proudly entering the show ring, sitting
atop her Palomino, she was surrounded by Welsh ponies and slender gray
thoroughbreds, the more prominent choices for most competitors riding
in the English style. Determined to learn as much as she could,
Dorinda worked tirelessly and trained hard to develop her riding
skills. Her passion for horses led her to study at Meredith Manor
College in Waverly, West Virginia where she received her degree as a
Riding Master Four.
After graduation, Dorinda returned to her hometown where she
married her high school sweetheart, Michael Mark, in the fall of 1986.
Her love of horses was not overlooked at their wedding ceremony as she
rode sidesaddle to the altar upon a horse ironically called Alimony.
Once settled on their property, a barn was constructed and the
business was born. The venture expanded to include riding lessons,
boarding and training, thus launching Dorinda’s career. Her abilities
developed and flourished. Over the years, the barn grew too, leading
to the addition of a second structure.
Well schooled in all forms of English riding styles from Hunters
to Jumpers, Dorinda’s favorite type of riding is Dressage, which she
cheerfully calls “ballet on horseback.” Dressage is the French word
for training and refers to a series of precise movements by the horse
at the riders command. Advancement in the sport is marked by achieving
a set of standards with increasing levels of difficulty beginning at
the Training Level and working up to the Grand Prix stage. As each
level progresses, so do the physical and mental demands on both horse
and rider.
Currently working at Level Two with her 13-year-old Dutch
Warmblood, Tyler, Dorinda was thrilled when he mastered his first
tempi change and half-pass. “This horse is so powerful, it’s magic
when he achieves these goals.” A sleek, ebony steed with two brilliant
white socks and a snippet of white on his regal face, Tyler exudes a
commanding presence in the ring. Her enthusiasm regarding Tyler’s
potential is evident. “He has a great deal of talent.”
Following a rigorous training session, the two take pleasure in a
relaxing trail ride allowing both horse and rider to unwind. Trail
riding in the Lowcountry is always a special occasion as marsh breezes
whisper through a canopy of ancient oaks whilst rhythmic hoof beats
thump along the sandy pathway. On rare occasions, a trip to Hunting
Island for a beachfront ride is a welcome respite from the arduous
daily workouts in the ring.
When asked what she loves best about riding, Dorinda responded
with a heartfelt smile. “There’s a bond you have with the horse, a
certain high you get when you sit in the saddle. It’s a presence you
feel. It’s a one-on-one sport where you compete for and against
yourself, not like team sports.” She went on to say that she enjoys
working with children. “Teaching kids to ride is very rewarding. It’s
good for them to care for another being and to learn responsibility.
It teaches them to be accountable for themselves.” Countless numbers
of young people got their start at Broomfield Stables under Dorinda’s
tutelage. Several of her students have gone on to make horses their
career following in the footsteps, or should I say hoof beats, of
their equestrian mentor. Dorinda stated that over the years many
notable riders have inspired her, especially Petra Wilder, a very
famous and talented Dressage rider.
But not everything in Dorinda’s life is about horses. She enjoys
movies, particularly romantic comedies, and music from the sixties and
seventies. Another favored pastime is reading magazines, usually about
riding, of course. When not at the barn, Dorinda engages in many
different activities to include Yoga, cooking, traveling and making
jewelry. “I took a jewelry making class from my sister-in-law, Janet,
and was hooked. I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind pieces.” Four shelves
of cookbooks displayed in the kitchen attest to her love of cooking.
To celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary next year, Dorinda and
Michael are planning a dream vacation to Spain.
Having grown up in Beaufort, Dorinda shared fond memories of
childhood in a small coastal town. “I love the river. We were always
on a boat or going to Hunting Island. I remember going to Koth’s store
for an Icee and boiled peanuts and then sitting on the hill
overlooking the bay. These were the days before we had the waterfront
park. My first job was in retail at Cook’s Nook, in the Kmart shopping
center. “
For some, the love of horses is so strong that it encompasses
their very being. Dorinda is one of these people. Her passion for and
love of horses is indisputable. The unbridled dedication she has shown
for the sport encourages others to give riding a try. “People should
experience horses and not be afraid of them.” Her advice for aspiring
young riders was straightforward, “Listen to your trainer.”
Dorinda has made long strides in her equestrian career with many
more goals yet to be achieved. As Sir Winston Churchill once said; “No
hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.”
