IN THE COMMUNITY

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBER Marvin Donaghy

BY JENN WEBSTER

At 93 years young, Marvin Donaghy of Red Deer, AB, recently received an honorary lifetime AEF loyalty membership. In 2021, the AEF had seven members over the age of 90 but Donaghy is the eldest. He has been an AEF member, on and off, for “…as long as [he] can remember.”

Born a farmer, Donaghy always remembers having cattle and horses on the family farm. His introduction to the world of horses was walking behind the harrows. “I was at the north of the horses, throwing lumps of dirt at their butts if they were heading south,” he chuckles.

However, most of his riding activities started after Donaghy retired. Marvin married Rosa in 1948, who is coming up on her 96th birthday and together, they’ve been married for 73 years. Marvin and Rosa started riding in 1964 and that year, they were flag bearers in a parade for the Ponoka Stampede.

“That was the first time we ever took our horses to town and we were flag bearers,” Marvin recalls. He and Rosa have also enjoyed their horses through trail and pleasure riding near their home.

“We have enjoyed the beauty of our land around here. On the rocks, in the muskeg and all kinds of places since. You could never see it the same way on a quad – on horseback is just the best,” he says.

One of Marvin’s favourite places to ride at the moment, is at a friend’s ranch. “We have a pal along the Red Deer River. And some of my favourite riding is in the Williams Creek area. I’ve gotten away from the mountainous stuff, but I like to go where the wild horses are, the trees and trails etc.”

Marvin’s main mount is a Rocky Mountain Gaited mare named “Honey.” Although he says it’s an accomplishment to get on a horse at his age anymore, he cherishes his time in the stirrups. As a thank-you for the membership, Marvin sent this sweet, handwritten letter to the AEF. In reality, the AEF would like to thank Marvin for his many years of support, loyalty, and kindness! Dec 24/2021

Red Deer, Alberta

Dear Norma & co-hort,

Enclosed is a cheque for the trail program. We are so blessed to have such a beautiful province to ride in.

These pictures were taken in August & September west of Sundre, note (fly mask). There were four of us in the group. I had three “babysitters”. This is “wild horse” country. I really like to watch them. This is pretty rugged country but, like the animals, very picturesque.

Thank you for the “free” membership. With a little luck maybe I can get seven more. 93 + 7 = 100.

Enjoy Christmas and a lot of good things in the future.

Marvin Donaghy.