I Spy a Rainbow Dominates Pony Jumpers at the Devon Horse Show

I Spy a Rainbow Dominates Pony Jumpers at the Devon Horse Show

The Devon Horse Show was surely eventful on Sunday May 26th as top ponies and riders participated in the $2,500 NAL Pony Jumper class, sponsored by Turner Investments. Set in the Dixon Oval ring, the 15 entries took to the 11 obstacle course aboard some pretty hot headed ponies that had spectators nervously fidgeting, cringing, and holding onto their seats.

First to go, Julia Davis encountered difficulty at the 4th fence when her pony, Fly Me to The Moon, came to sudden a stop that sent her over the mare’s neck and “sort of” dismounted her. A determined Davis really got the crowd cheering as she tried to hook her right leg on the pony’s neck and lift herself back into the saddle, but Fly Me to The Moon wasn’t having it and insisted that she dismount by slightly shaking her neck and helping Davis gently meet the ground. Taking the fall like a true champion, Davis led her pony out of the ring in high spirits and even stopped to adjust her bonnet back into place. Standing tall with a smile on her face the young rider exited the arena displaying a great sense of horsemanship.

When Taylor Cox rode Midnight Heart into the ring and the gelding took off at a gallop, the crowd was shocked as the junior rider pointed the fiery, almost out of control, pony to the first jump. After successfully managing the third jump Cox realized it was probably wise to end things on a safe note and she chose to retire the overly excited pony, fighting him to a halt and exiting the ring before the situation got out of hand.

But they’re just riding ponies… how hard can it really be? If you think it’s easier to ride a pony as opposed to a horse – you might want to think again. Ponies weigh considerably less than horses do, making it easier for them to throw their bodies around and toss up their riders in the process, and they’re packed with attitude, so they won’t hesitate to show you who’s really in charge.

Of the 15 entries, Emilie Rucci and I Spy a Rainbow, and Camilla Siekmann and Mist of a Champion, were the only 2 to ride clear in the first round and proceed to the jump off. Putting their skills to the test, the talented riders both rode clear rounds, but Rucci’s time of 30.727s was faster than Siekmann’s 32.039s and ultimately earned first place.

Emilie Rucci and her champion mount went on to receive the Devon Pony Jumper Style Award and the Pony Jumper Championship. The 9 year old 14.1 ½ hand gelding, I Spy a Rainbow, was bred by Shalako Farm and is owned by the Rucci family in Pittstown, NJ. He is currently ranked 5th out of 62 in the USEF’s National Pony Jumper standings. Congratulations on your success at the Devon Horse Show!

By: Claudia Lorena

Read more about Julia Davis in her Rider Profile, click here