Lexington, Ky. – Three divisions got underway and another named a champion on the third day of the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms. Competitors in the USEF Medium Green Pony Hunter National Championship and USEF Large Green Pony Hunter National Championship completed their model and under saddle phases, while the USEF Pony Jumper National Championship finished Phase I. The highlight of the day was the title being presented in the USEF Small Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Kickapoo Ponies.
Learn more about the many special awards and activities happening throughout the week, including the $500 Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant presented by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.
Kathryn Padilla and Celebration Shine in USEF Small Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Kickapoo Ponies
(Shawn McMillen Photography)
Kathryn Padilla and Celebration moved up from ninth to the top of leaderboard in the USEF Small Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Kickapoo Ponies on the strength of an excellent round. Padilla (Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif.) and the 2011 Welsh Pony gelding owned by Highland Farm, LLC won the over fences phase amongst the field of 113 combinations with a score of 271.05. Their impressive result helped secure the win with an overall score of 1045. 10 after collecting a score of 237.47 in the model phase and the winning score of 265.53 in the under saddle phase.
Padilla and “Squiggles” started their partnership at the beginning of year, and it has turned into a winning one. This year was Padilla’s third Pony Finals appearance, but first time as a champion thanks to Squiggles and trainer Christa Endicott. Padilla said she likes the pressure that comes with competing at Pony Finals.
“[I like] how exciting it is that you only have the one chance with one round to do [well],” said Padilla.
Padilla and Squiggles rose to the occasion and performed under pressure in the final phase to clinch the win.
“I thought it was really fun,” Padilla said of the course. “It wasn’t too hard, but it made it tricky enough for it to be exciting.”
Leaderboard:
- Kathryn Padilla and Celebration
- Logan Baras and Dream Big
- Katherine Mercer and Clovermeade Pop Secret
Best Presented Pony – Eliza St. George and Sugarbrook Too Blue
Best Turned Out Pony – Emery O’Keefe and H.G. Mud Puddles
(Shawn McMillen Photography)
USEF Medium Green Pony Hunter National Championship
A field of 85 combinations began the journey toward the USEF Medium Green Pony Hunter National Championship. Emi Richard and Qualen’s Charismagic lead the division after the first two phases of competition with a composite score of 520.49. Richard (Middlefield, Conn.) and the 2014 Half-Welsh mare owned by Carolex Stables, LLC scored 250.90 in the model phase and 269.59 in the under saddle phase to move into the early lead.
The medium green pony hunters will conclude with the over fences phase of the competition on Friday, August 11.
Leaderboard:
- Emi Richard and Qualen’s Charismagic
- Kaitlyn Linck and Bit of Whiskey
- Vivian Golden and Lady Desmond
(Shawn McMillen Photography)
USEF Large Green Pony Hunter National Championship
Eighty-two combinations entered the arena for their chance at the USEF Large Green Pony Hunter National Championship. JJ Torano and Gold Standard lead the with a composite score of 518.60. Torano (Wellington, Fla.) and 2017 Welsh Pony cross gelding owned by Bridgeport Farms LLC earned scores of 258.85 in the model phase and 259.75 in the under saddle phase for a strong start to the competition.
The large green pony hunters will conclude with the over fences phase of the competition on Friday, August 11.
Leaderboard:
- JJ Torano and Gold Standard
- McKayla Brombach and On Tour
- Katherine Mercer and Small Surprise
The large green pony hunters will conclude with the over fences phase of the competition on Friday, August 11.
(Shawn McMillen Photography)
USEF Pony Jumper National Championship
A small but mighty field of nine combinations began competition for the USEF Pony Jumper National Championships with Phase I. In the class, competitors with clean rounds or equal faults remain equal. Five combinations completed the course with zero faults.
The following pony jumper combinations jumped clear in Phase I, in alphabetical order:
Cameron Cuddy (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and Temper of Tony, a 2007 Quarter Horse gelding owned by Krista Elford
Zoe Duvall (Silver Spring, Md.) and Angel, a 2004 Paint mare owned by Ponies Unlimited, LLC
Oliver Rolfe (Wellington, Fla.) and Cillbhrid Pippa, a 2011 Connemara mare owned by Haylie Rolfe
Reagan Voxman (San Marino, Fla.) and Air Force One, her 2010 Selle Français gelding
William Slater (Coatesville, Pa.) and Sir Wallace, a 2010 Welsh/Thoroughbred gelding owned by Kristin Close
Pony jumper competition continues on Friday at 3 p.m. ET with the USEF Pony Jumper Team National Championship, which will also serve as Phase II of the individual championship.
Special Awards
Three individuals were selected for the Betsy Fishback Sportsmanship Award today, winning a copy of the book “Big Wishes for Little Feat” by Cheryl Olsten. The following recipients are youth who have demonstrated the qualities of good sportsmanship while exhibiting at the USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms (listed in alphabetical order):
Dylon Clark
Olivia Panuska
Sophia Pessoa
The Best Model Pony Awards presented by Shapley’s were awarded with the model phase winners receiving a bucket of Shapley’s Grooming Products and a trophy.
The livestream of the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms will continue on the USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV beginning at 7:00 a.m. ET on Friday, August 11, with the model and under saddle classes for the USEF Large Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Charles Ancona. US Equestrian fans, subscribers, and members can access the live stream, and subscribers and members will be able to watch replays on demand. Learn more here.
Find out more information about the USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms at www.ponyfinals.org.
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