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Youth Spotlight - Billy Skipper

By Lili Drinkall

A New Path

Many equestrians that are interested in riding horses start at a very young age, but Billy Skipper, age 80, is quite the opposite. Mr. Skipper always had a love of horses. He wanted to ride and work with horses his whole life but never got the chance. Five years ago, Mr. Skipper’s dream became a reality. Billy was given a gift certificate for a riding lesson at Drinkall Performance Horses as a birthday present. After one lesson he was hooked. Beginning his horse career late in life has not slowed him down one bit! Billy began volunteering at DPH every week and has continued to be there each Wednesday for the past five years. Billy has many tasks he enjoys doing around DPH and is always willing to help wherever needed. Every Wednesday he begins with a lesson, where he continues to grow his horsemanship skills. The equine partner he currently rides is his favorite horse, “Cody”, who is also a part of the senior citizen club. After he works his horse, Billy enjoys planting flowers, brushing horses, helping DPH riders and staff get ready for horse shows, and more!

Before Billy retired and started volunteering at DPH, he was a pastor at a church. He also had a job repairing copy machines. He says that his biggest dream is to be a successful evangelist and to continue working with the horses he has grown to love so much. Billy is an amazing asset to the DPH team, but also an incredible role model for the younger riders. His is joyful spirit and commitment to learning about the equine industry is something every rider should strive to attain. Billy Skipper is a staple in the Drinkall Performance Horse barn and is living proof that you can learn anything at any age with hard work and dedication.