Volunteer of the Month

April 2008

Marrilee Tyrell

Marrilee Tyrell  is a relatively newcomer to our club. She moved to Ft. Myers in 2005 and has become an active dressage rider. She is always willing to jump in with both feet to help wherever we need her.

   Growing up she always wanted a horse but the opportunity didn't come around until after college. While working in upstate New York, she noticed an ad for riding lessons for adults and so it began. After taking a weekly lesson at a hunter jumper barn, she bought her first horse, a twelve year old grade gelding named WOJO, whom she thinks flunked out of the Boston Mounted Police. He was a great first horse, but after a couple of years, decided she needed something flashier.

 Next came Legs, a five year old never-raced thoroughbred. He was also a great horse, but after struggling for a few years decided he was not right for her.  She ended up selling him and was horseless for a few years. After that came her favorite, Max, a big beautiful QH that she rode in lessons for a year or so before convincing her trainer to sell him to her. They had seven wonderful and successful show years together before health issues forced his retirement. He is now retired at her friend Faye's wonderful farm.  Marrilee & WOJO found each other again and she retired him to the farm as well where he was able to live out the rest of his retirement.  Believing she would never be able to replace Max, she thought she would never own another horse. That lasted a year before finding Ted. Although he wasn't exactly what she was looking for, she fell in love with his personality. Once again she is saying this will be her last horse, but admits that who knows what will happen when that time actually comes around.

   Marrilee eventually retired after 30 years of service with the state of New York.  She headed to sunny Florida for her first winter of retirement. Hating the snow and cold of the Northeast, she headed home, sold her house and moved to North Ft. Myers permanently. She found DaVinci Farm for Ted and dressage and Bob Braren for both of them. Marrilee is active with SWFDA, coming to most of our meetings, shows and other events. If  you haven't had the opportunity to get to know her, introduce yourself. You'll be glad you did.