Numerous youth athletes have competed at the USEF Pony Finals over the years, and many of them have gone on to achieve an impressive list of accomplishments as senior athletes competing at the national and international levels. Georgina Bloomberg, Greg Best, Lillie Keenan, Reed Kessler, Alison Robitaille, and Jessica Springsteen are a few individuals who have represented the U.S. at FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals, Pan American Games, and/or Olympic Games after competing at Pony Finals during the formative years of their equestrian careers. Two Pony Finals alumni and now young equestrian professionals looked back at their favorite memories and shared tips for this year’s competitors.

Adam Edgar

Adam Edgar (Leesburg, Va.) competed four consecutive years at Pony Finals from 2014 to 2017. He went on to compete on the Savannah College of Art and Design equestrian team during his college years. Edgar is now a professional hunter and jumper rider who competes along the East Coast.

What is your favorite memory from competing at Pony Finals?

“My favorite memory of Pony Finals would be winning the Golf Cart Parade. We took such pride in our golf cart and wanted so badly to win. It was lifelong memories being created that I didn’t even know at the time! I did a backflip in the Alltech Arena dressed in 70s clothes with an afro.”

What did you learn from your Pony Finals experience?

“I think the biggest thing I learned going to Pony Finals is that in this sport—in a National Championship—it could be anyone’s day. With that being said, one horse show or performance does not define your pony or you as a rider!”

Do you have any tips for Pony Finals competitors?

“The bottom line is, don’t let the ribbons and results rob you of the experience. Actions speak louder than words, and kindness always prevails. Treat your competitors with compassion and support one another—everyone is feeling the same stress. Sportsmanship is key. You never know who is watching, and there will always be another horse show! And lastly, enjoy the experience. If you are at Pony Finals, you have already won. Now is the time to have fun and go for it; you will never know if you don’t try.”

What are some more recent equestrian accomplishments that you are most proud of?

“I think my most recent accomplishment that I am very proud of is finishing Reserve Champion in the 2023 Platinum Performance/USHJA 3’/3’3” Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championship–South. This was a really special moment for me. Due to a miscommunication, I had to get on for the first round when I was on deck. I jumped three jumps and walked right into the ring. It wasn’t my best round, but with the cluster, I kept it together. We made it back for the second round but weren’t very high up in the top 12. I came back and had one of the best rounds of my life with CRF Carlitos. We got an 86 and won the second round to move up to Reserve Champion Overall. You’ve got to love horse showing!”

Ailish Cunniffe

Ailish Cunniffe (South Salem, N.Y.) competed at Pony Finals in 2009 and 2010 before continuing as a junior and young rider athlete, winning FEI North American Youth Championship team gold medals in 2017 and 2018. In 2022, Cunniffe made her senior team debut at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Mexico CSIO5* with Vivaldi du Theil. This year, the pair competed in their first FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Omaha, Neb.

What is your favorite memory from competing at Pony Finals?

“My favorite memory of Pony Finals would be winning the pony medal in 2009 on Major League.”

What did you learn from your Pony Finals experience?

“Competing at Pony Finals taught me about determination and pressure. There is a lot of build-up to competing there, and it was the first time I really had pressure to win.”

Do you have any tips for Pony Finals competitors?

“My tip for Pony Finals competitors would just be to have fun! It’s just another horse show, so go out there and have a good time!”

What are some more recent equestrian accomplishments that you are most proud of?

“Recently, I am most proud of having the opportunity to compete at World Cup Finals in Omaha. It was an amazing learning experience and felt like a dream to be able to compete against some of my idols.”