64 PONIES BATTLE FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS IN THE GREAT PONY CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY ‘MY BARN CHILD’

On Saturday, ponies from across Canada converged at Angelstone in what has become one of North America’s most competitive pony competitions, The Great Pony Challenge, presented by ‘My Barn Child’.

The afternoon saw 64 small, medium and large ponies test the Randy Roy designed course, in teams of three. Competitors had the opportunity to create ‘themes’ for each of the teams by decorating their ponies for the big class.

The class sponsor, ‘My Barn Child’, specializes in accessories charms and jewelry designed specifically for pony enthusiasts and the entire class was awarded incredible gift bags upon the completion of the class, a fitting match, considering that nearly all the riders were sporting dazzling accessories from toe to helmet.

The competition was scored individually for zone points in over the three divisions, and points were combined for the team awards, allowing for a single dropped score.

‘Precious Moments’ and Ella Davison followed up their winning performance on Friday night in the Hunter Nations Cup by posting a score of 85. The high score stood for most of the afternoon until Paige Little, aboard ‘Mr. Winter’, bested it the day’s highest score, an 88. Both ponies were on a pair of ‘Wynbrook’ teams and helped their teams rise to the top of the leaderboard with their clutch performances.

Ottawa-based trainer Taylor Brooks had a number of ponies that turned in a number of scores in the eighties, with each of the kids decked out as angels, complete with wings fashioned to their riding jackets.

At the close of competition, and after all 64 ponies had tested the course in the Emily E. Clermont Memorial Ring, three teams broke from the pack to take the podium.

Wynbrook’s Winged Angels took centre stage with incredible performances from their trio of riders, including, Claire Goldberg (Cedar Springs Pen Pal), Ella Davidson (Precious Moments) and Charlotte McLaughlin (Magic Man), earning the coveted team title for the 2nd annual Great Pony Challenge.

Taking the second position on the podium was the Fiddler’s Green Team with Rachel Nicholson (Dream Maker), Meghan Parsons (Northwinds Miss McVai) and Julia Wiggins (Bellagio).

Rounding out the final position on the podium, in third place was Team Italia with Jessica Ventresca (Absolute Mischief), Leanna Lazzari (Treasure Hunt) and Selina Saccarccia (Braveheart).

Angelstone president, Keean White, believes that the Great Pony Challenge has emerged as a significant mid-season Championship for ponies. “We are continually looking at new and innovative ways to bolster the experience of all riders competing at the show grounds. We have focused on making the GPC the most anticipated event of the year for pony riders, and we hope we could play a small part in creating a memorable experience for our youngest competitors. The GPC will return again in 2016, and we will continue to work to grow the Championship to even greater heights.”