US Pony Finals – Zone 4 Shines

Lexington, KY. – The nation’s top pony jumpers put on quite the show over the last week as they competed for the individual and team championship titles at the 2013 US Pony Finals, held at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Riders and their ponies gathered inside the prestigious Alltech Arena in front of enthusiastic spectators that consisted of mainly friends and family, and rode their hearts out for a chance to earn their place on the winner’s podium.

Forty-four riders and their perfectly turned out ponies kicked off the pony jumpers on Wednesday August 7th with Phase I of the Individual competition. Keeping the pressure down and allowing riders to get comfortable in their surroundings blue ribbons were awarded to those that rode clear and all entries would advance to Phase II.

But the ponies went into high gear the following day when riders returned for Phase II and the US Pony Jumper Team Championship. Despite refusals, close calls, and some falls riders remained in high spirits. Team members eagerly watched from the in gates and were always there to congratulate one another. So, whether you had an amazing trip or not, rest assured your teammates would be there to support you every step of the way.

While some ponies checked their attitudes and nerves at the gate, others thought it would be more entertaining to bring them along for the ride. Madison Massey piloted a not so content Cammie around the arena and when the pony saw the first jump she decided she was not up for the job, refusing it twice and unfortunately ending the ride for Massey. Julianna Empie’s Northwind’s Opus went in with an “I will jump everything” attitude and had the crowd giggling when he added an obstacle to the course and jumped over a decorative bush. Jumping like a deer, an excited Rocky caused Olivia Bethke to lose one of her stirrups, but that was no issue for her and she rode the remainder of the course perfectly without it.

Emilie Rucci encountered some difficulities towards the end of the course when I Spy A Rainbow came to a sudden stop and dismounted her, but instead of getting upset she got up with a smile on her face, patted the gelding and exited the arena – where she and rainbow were comforted by fellow teammates and friends.

Shouting, “Heads up! Head’s up!” Taylor Cox’s trainer quickly led Midnight Heart and Cox into the ring. The black gelding with a beautiful blaze pranced around in all directions, except forward, for a few seconds and then took off at a full gallop, reminding us of the pair’s NAL Pony Jumper round at the Devon Horse Show this last May. Flying over fence number three a bit awkwardly Cox was bounced up in the air and landed in front of the saddle while Midnight Heart rapidly headed towards the gate. Did she fall? Absolutely not! Fighting gravity, Cox pulled herself up and back into the saddle; finishing the course to the roar of applause, whistling and stomping of spectators amazed with her performance.

Upon conclusion of the evening’s events it was time to present the awards. The gold medal went to Zone 4; Morgan Gravely (High Springs, FL) aboard Dragon’s Lair Banner, Micaela Smith (Clover, SC) aboard Blue Me Away, Cooper Dean (Fayette, AL) aboard American Hero, and Heather Vaxer (Del Ray Beach, FL) aboard Cha Cha Cha. Finishing up with zero faults and bringing home the gold medal for the second year in a row, it was a proud moment for the team as they stepped onto the podium and accepted their medals.

Following behind Zone 4, the silver medal was presented to Zone 5; Caitlyn Connors (Glen Mills, PA) aboard Break Away, Carson Ruff (Maple Park, IL) aboard Jet Pilot, Emma Bach (Cincinnati, OH) aboard Lucky Charm, and Emma Ellis (Annapolis, MD) aboard Tangled Up In Blue. Caitlyn Connors lead her team by riding a double clear, while Ruff and Ellis each had a rail down in their rounds and Bach was eliminated in both of her rounds when her pony decided he really didn’t like fence four and made it clear he was not going to jump it by doing what ponies do best… throwing a pony tantrum. Overall it was a great finish for Zone 5 as they accepted their silver medals on the podium and received some extra goodies.

Last but certainly not least, totaling 27 jumping faults, the bronze medal was awarded to Zone 7; Caroline Zaunbrecher (Lafayette, LA) aboard Fire Van Battenbroek, Sedona Chamblee (Keller, TX) aboard Lucky Star, Elizabeth McDougald (Lawton, OK) aboard Knock My Sox Off, and Fiona Donnelly (Rowlett, TX) aboard Picasso. While Zaunbrecher and Chamblee were eliminated in separate rounds disappointment was certainly not evident on their faces as they smiled for the cameras and chatted excitedly with one another.

The US Pony Jumper Championship wrapped up with a traditional victory gallop. It was an eventful evening and one the riders will remember for years to come.

Read about the NAL Pony Jumper’s at the Devon Horse Show, click here.