It’s that time of year again… The kids are anxious, as it’s every junior rider’s dream is to qualify their pony and compete at the USEF National Pony Hunter Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. Where fabulous bows and braids are a must, and the kids take over the Kentucky Horse Park, it’s time to celebrate our favorite ponies and junior riders at Pony Finals. This year’s event takes place August 7-12 at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park. The qualifying period for the USEF Pony Hunter National Championship is from July 7, 2017 – July 1, 2018 for Regular Pony Hunters and December 1, 2017 – July 1, 2018 for Green Pony Hunters.
Be sure to stop by the ‘Belle and Bow Equestrian‘ Boutique and meet our founder, Ashley Cagle. Psst.. her latest art collection will be for sale at the boutique, and she’s accepting commissions. A limited edition Pony Finals print will also be available! So, the hard part is over for these riders, qualifying takes dedication and commitment. So, you may be wondering, how does one get to Pony Finals?
Qualifying for USEF Pony Finals
A Regular Pony Hunter qualifies by winning a Championship or Reserve Championship in a “AA” or “A” rated Regular Pony Hunter section during the qualifying period. A Green Pony Hunter qualifies in the same manner, but in the Green Pony Hunter section after December 1st. A pony that has qualified in the Green section and the Regular section may not compete in both.
The competition is structured tired in three phases: Model, Under Saddle, and Over Fences. To view more about the rules and regulations of the USEF Pony Finals, go here.
The tentative schedule is posted here
Awards at Pony Finals
Remember: it’s already an award to get to Pony Finals, but there are plenty of awards to go around during this exciting week. The Top 20 ponies are given awards each phase along with Overall Small Pony Hunter Champion, Overall Medium Pony Hunter Champion, Overall Large Pony Hunter Champion, Overall Grand Pony Hunter Champion.
Other awards include: US National Pony Jumper Individual Champion, US Pony Jumper Style Award, and a number of other ‘special awards’ including top ten riders under the age of ten, sportsmanship trophy,’Mindy Darst Perpetual Trophy’ (the top equestrian athlete representing the future of excellence in riding), and more.
The Official Prize List for Pony Finals is listed here.
Things to do in Lexington, KY
The list of activities, shopping, and dining in Lexington is endless, especially as an equestrian in the heart of horse country. While you’re in town, be sure to take your riders to tour some of the famous Thoroughbred horse farms, and the American Saddlebred museum to experience a rich history in equestrian sporting.
Of course, the bourbon tours are at the top of the list, but your kiddos may feel a bit left out. So, why not take them to Lexington’s newest destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment, the Summit at Fritz Farm.
Featuring over 70 street-level shops, more than 20 dining options featuring chef-inspired and local flair, the city’s first food hall – ‘The Barn’, and luxury equestrian inspired apartments at ‘The Henry‘, it’s the ‘happening spot’ around town. Some of our favorite retailers like Ariat, Draper James, J. McLaughlin, Vineyard Vines, Frye, Warby Parker, have freestanding stores in The Summit at Fritz Farm!
Equestrian style is omnipresent throughout Kentucky, but Lexington is truly the heart of Horse Country. We’re so thrilled to get to experience the bluegrass at it’s finest this summer at Pony Finals. Stay tuned and follow us on social media at ‘@EqStylist’ as we bring you the latest in Kentucky styles, dining, and Pony Finals competition updates. Upon our return, we will share with you some of our favorite new restaurants and shops from Lexington, Kentucky.
