Lexington, Ky. - The 2021 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms (Pony Finals) got underway Tuesday at the Kentucky Horse Park. After a weather delay, competitors were eager to enter the Rolex Stadium for the Model and Under Saddle phases of the Large Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Charles Ancona, Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship, and 2020 Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship.
Five 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):
Remy Becker
Liliana Franzese
Grace Fuller
Mary Hunter McCaslin
Kristin Palmer
(Shawn McMillen Photography)
Learn more about the many special awards and activities happening throughout the week, including the $500 Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant.
Large Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Charles Ancona
Hailey Guidry and Valentino lead the field of 132 competitors in the Large Regular Pony Hunter National Championships presented by Charles Ancona. Guidry (Metairie, La.) and Ava Berman’s 2007 German Riding Pony gelding impressed the judges to earn scores of 254.43 in the Model phase and 271.96 in the Under Saddle phase. They sit atop the leaderboard with an overall score of 526.39 after the first day of competition.
The large regular pony hunters will contest the Over Fences phase of the competition on Wednesday, August 11.
Leaderboard:
1. Hailey Guidry and Valentino
2. Agatha Lignelli and Chiccobello
3. Jole Kosloske and Chic in Time
Hailey Guidry and Memphis Lead Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship
Hailey Guidry and Memphis, Samantha Schaefer’s 2014 New Forest Pony gelding, lead the way in the Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship after the first day of competition on a composite score of 520.35. Winning the Model phase with a 264.31 and earning a 256.04 in the Under Saddle, the combination holds on to a solid lead over a competitive field of 46 small green hunter ponies heading into the over fences portion of the competition.
The Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship will conclude with the Over Fences portion of the competition on Wednesday, August 11.
Leaderboard:
1. Hailey Guidry and Memphis
2. Alina McLean and Whinny the Blue
3. Annabelle Brown and Celebration
Reagan Jarrett and Dream Big Lead 2020 Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship
Reagan Jarrett (Center Valley, Pa.) and Dream Big, her 2014 Welsh Pony gelding, leads the way in the 2020 Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship after the first day of competition on a composite score of 513.75. Consistency was key for this combination, placing second in the Model and Under Saddle phases, earning a 256.56 and a 257.54, respectively. The combination holds a narrow lead heading into the over fences portion of the competition in the small but mighty field of 14 competitive small green hunter ponies in the 2020 section.
The 2020 Green Pony Hunter National Championships were added to the 2021 Pony Finals schedule because of the cancellation of the 2020 Pony Finals due to COVID-19. The 2020 Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship will conclude with the Over Fences portion of the competition on Wednesday, August 11.
Leaderboard:
1. Reagan Jarrett and Dream Big
2. Sienna Rossano and DF Crush
3. McKayla Brombach and Dressed in Gold
Special Awards and Activities
Dalman Jump Pony Land – Competitors and families can enjoy this kid-sized show jump area, with jumps provided by Dalman Jump Co. Dalman will be hosting a “grand prix” competition for youth on Friday and Saturday from 12-1 p.m. ET at Dalman Jump Pony Land. The participant with the fastest time after the Final on Saturday will win a kid-sized jump and standards courtesy of Dalman Jump Co. Stop by the Dalman booth by the Bruce Davidson statue to sign up!
Model Pony Awards presented by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation – Competitors will have a shot at earning the Model Pony Award presented by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. One pony from each division will be selected for this award dedicated to highlighting the best presented pony in that division.
VisitLex Welcome Wagon – Visitors to the Lexington area can find restaurant guides and more to enjoy the best that Lexington has to offer, along with free water, carrots, stickers, and other goodies, sponsored by VisitLex.
Turf Town Properties Ice Cream Cart – Parked by the Bruce Davidson statue outside Rolex Stadium, visit this cart daily to enjoy free ice cream, sponsored by Turf Town Properties.
Live coverage of the 2021 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms will continue on the USEF Network beginning at 7:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, August 11, with the Model and Under Saddle classes for the Small Regular Pony Hunter National Championship.
Find out more information about the USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms at www.ponyfinals.org.
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