Calamari and With Applause (Shawn McMillen Photography)
National titles are determined in the US Hunter Pony Championship presented by Sallee Horse Vans following three phases of competition, with Model and Under Saddle phases each counting towards 25% of the overall score, and the remaining 50% being determined by the Over Fences phase. The Over Fences phase for the Large Regular and Small Green sections will be held tomorrow, with the champions being crowned.
Ward (Milford, N.J.) and Dr. Betsee Parker’s Enjoy the Laughter, a 10-year-old German Riding Pony gelding, earned scores of 264.85 and 254.50 in the Model and Under Saddle phases, respectively. The pair completed Tuesday’s competition with an overall total of 519.36 to take the lead in the Large Regular Hunter Pony Championship. Emma Kurtz (Hudson, Ohio) and Parker’s nine-year-old Welsh Pony Cross gelding, All My Love, are in second with an overall score of 513.36. Katie Ray (Berwyn, Pa.) and Ramble On Farm’s Rockaway, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding, finished in third place with an overall total of 513.31.
In the Small Green Hunter Pony competition, Calamari (New Milford, Pa.) and Jessie Spade’s 10-year-old Welsh Pony Cross gelding, With Applause, captured first place with a score of 255.13 in the Model phase and 264.45 in the Under Saddle Phase. The pair finished the day with an overall total of 519.58. Libbie Gordon (Statesville, N.C.) and Parker Peacock’s Glenhaven Astoria, a six-year-old Welsh Pony mare, sit in second with a total of 504.95, while August Iwasaki (Calabasas, Calif.) and Small Addition, a six-year-old Welsh Pony mare owned by Chris Iwasaki, are in third with 503.68.
The USEF Network presented by SmartPak will live stream competition from the Walnut and Alltech Arenas, courtesy of the USHJA Foundation. Tune in to the USEF Network for a complete schedule.
For live scoring, results, schedule, and competitor and hospitality information go to www.usefconnect.com.
Find out more information about the US Pony Finals.