Bev shares 83rd birthday with horse’s 30th

BY Dawn Rankins

Bev Miller displays her and her horse’s birthday cake at a small gathering at the Lodge. Photo by Kelly Manning

Bev Miller turned 83 years old last week and a small group of friends put on a party at the Canyon Lake Lodge to celebrate not only her birthday, but that of her long-time horse, Wolfie.

“My amazing friends threw an intimate little party for us at the lodge,” Bev said. “There were six of us and it was wonderful. I enjoyed the evening immensely.”

Bev has been in Canyon Lake for 25 years and Wolfie has been a loyal companion the entire time. Wolfie turned 30 years old and the group celebrated his birthday as well. Wolfie has been at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center for the entire time Bev has lived in Canyon Lake.

Bev Miller sits upon her horse Wolfie in 2008. Wolfie has been at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center for 25 years. Photo provided by Kelly Manning

Bev reflected back on her life and she said she has so many great riding memories with Wolfie, including trips to Mammoth Mountain and Morro Bay.

“Wolfie is getting up there in age and he’s not able to be ridden anymore,” Bev said. “However, I still take him up to the pasture and let him graze.”

Friend Kelly Manning helped make the birthday celebrations happen. She decorated Wolfie’s corral and even got him to wear his birthday hat for his photo.

“My life here in the lake has been good,” Bev said. “While I’m still super busy with my antique business, I’m not able to play tennis anymore due to arthritis in my feet. I used to be a 4.5 tennis player. I was also an All-American volleyball player and played in two Pan American Volleyball games.”

Wolfie and Bev Miller ham it up at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center as part of their celebrating joint birthdays. Photo by Kelly Manning

Her business keeps her busy. She has a shop in Burbank which she opens a couple of days every two of weeks. She also has spaces in Granny’s Attic in Old Town Temecula and at the Antique Fair.

“This birthday was awesome. I spent it with friends and I’m so appreciative of the wonderful celebration,” Bev said. “I loved the cake with Wolfie’s photo on it. I have never seen a cake with a photo on it, so that was pretty cool.”