Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 11, 2022 – Thursday morning at the 2022 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms called the Small Green Pony Hunter Division back to the stadium to ride for the win after a stormy day in Lexington pushed the final jumping phase of competition. A field of 43 ponies returned to contend for the championship title, exhibiting experience beyond their years. Kevin Wolowack (CAN) set an inviting course, granting riders the opportunity to have a positive experience and set the tone for their ponies’ future. Against all odds, it was Preston and Vivian Golden who rose to the challenge and were crowned Small Green Pony Hunter Champions while Ribbon’s Glenn and Emi Richard claimed the reserve championship honors.
Golden and Betsee Parker’s 6-year-old Welsh Pony gelding entered the over fences phase in fifth place overall after a win in the model and consistent scores in the under saddle. “Originally coming in [to the over fences round] I was a little nervous. He’s been really good this year but we weren’t expecting [these high scores],” comments Golden. “We tried a couple of new things so it was a little nerve-racking but he was really good!” The polished pair earned a total over fences score of 490.84 points to walk away with the blue ribbon and ultimately secure their tri-color award.
Equally consistent and impressive over the two days of Small Green Pony Hunter competition, Richard and Ribbon’s Glenn, owned by Erin Stewart, entered today’s competition in 26th place. The pair showcased their talent over the fences earning them the red ribbon at the end of the competition and catapulting them up the leaderboard in the overall standings. Not far behind in the over fences, Mimi Maddock and Winsome LLC’s 7-year-old Welsh Pony Cross posted a round total of 453.84 points to walk away with third place honors.
Not to be forgotten, the Medium and Large Green Pony Hunter Divisions began competition as the sun came up in Kentucky. Both divisions stood elegantly for the model and strutted their best movement in the under saddle phase. Aundrea Hillyard and EMC Valentijn, owned by Charlotte Rossetter, took the blue in the Medium Green Pony Hunter model and third place in the under saddle to secure the highest overall score and their leading position going into the final day.
Vivian Golden and Betsee Parker’s, Royalist, lead the pack for the Large Green Pony Hunters after taking home the blue in both the model and under saddle phases.
The 2022 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Honor Hill Farms, will continue Friday at 7:00 am EST with the Regular Medium Pony Hunter Model and Under Saddle. The day will conclude in the Rolex Arena with the Medium and Large Green Pony Hunter Over Fences, and the crowning of the Medium and Large Green championships. The Claiborne will play host to the Jumper Individual Phase II and Team Championship. Competition at the 2022 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Honor Hill Farm, will conclude Sunday, August 14, with the highly anticipated Pony Medal.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Vivian Golden – Small Green Pony Hunter Champion
On going into the over fences round:
“Originally coming in [the over fences round] I was a little nervous. He’s been really good this year but we weren’t expecting [these high scores]. We tried a couple new things so it was a little nerve-racking but he was really good!”
On Preston:
“I have been riding him since March of last year [2021]. But I only started showing him this year. He’s very playful and loves treats and loves to lick. He’s just super sweet in general! He has a really nice and smooth rhythm and he keeps his head up and has an uphill balance. He’s very comfortable”
On Pony Finals:
“This is my fourth or fifth year and my first win! It feels good. I wasn’t really expecting it so it’s so much cooler. My favorite part is seeing all my friends and hanging out with them.”
RESULTS
2022 Small Green Pony Hunters Over Fences
Place / Horse / Rider / Owner / Score
1. Preston / Vivian Golden / Betsee Parker / 245.42
2. Ribbon’s Glenn / Vivian Golden / Erin Stewart / 244.12
3. Orchard Hill Valentina / Mimi Maddock / Winsome LLC / 226.920
4. Wanna Bet / Dakota Zehler / Dakota Zelher / 224.120
5. Stonewall Bright Light / Alita Liggett / Emily Elek-Burtard / 223.810
6. Emmett / Ella Jane Howard / Montoga Inc. / 222.29
7. Over The Moon / Ava Grace Wyrosdick / Ava Grace Wyrosdick / 221.280
8. Wishes N’ Kisses / Molly Brooks / Ellen Wernke / 220.75
9. Posh Bedtime Story / Violet Rheingold / Jamie Pitt Miller / 217.62
10. Snow Pea / Ella Endzweig / Emily Elk Burtard / 216.58
2022 Small Green Pony Hunters Overall
Place / Horse / Rider / Owner / Score
1. Preston / Vivian Golden / Betsee Parker / 998.23
2. Ribbon’s Glenn / Vivian Golden / Erin Stewart / 972.43
3. Royal Legacy / Aundrea Hillyard / Sienna Smith / 931.03
4. EMC Enjoy / Agatha Lignelli / Hidden Ridge / 924.77
5. Orchard Hill Valentina / Mimi Maddock / Winsome LLC / 922.53
6. Emmett / Emma Jane Howard / Montoga Inc. / 921.92
7. Posh Bedtime Story / Violet Rheingold / Jamie Pitt Miller / 921.92
8. Snow Pea / Ella Endzweig / Emily Elk Burtard / 921.27
9. Over The Moon / Ava Grace Wyrosdick / Ava Grace Wyrosdick / 917.85
10. Sugarbrook Love Letter / Lulu Carney / GC Ponies, LLC / 915.71
