Young Riders’ Successful Introduction to Eventing At Southern Run Pony Club Schooling Horse Trials By Meredith Tipton May proved to be a month of "firsts" for several young riders from across the Midsouth. On May 15th, five girls and their ponies traveled to Cedar Wind Farm in Oxford, MS to compete in the Southern Run Pony Club Schooling Horse Trials. Megan Guntharp, age 16 from Tupelo, MS, successfully competed in her first horse trial. After finishing second in dressage, she ran clean on both cross country and show jumping to maintain her second place position on the Connemara gelding, Road Less Traveled, in the Restricted Beginner Novice division. This was not only Megan's first event, but also her very first horse show. Also competing at their first horse trial were sisters, Gabrielle Bray and Madeline Bray from Cordova, TN. Gabby and Maddy competed in Green As Grass divisions A and B on their Welsh pony On Broadway. After a great day of competition, both sisters won their divisions with clean cross country and show jumping rounds. This was not only a huge accomplishment, as they were sharing a pony, but Maddy, age 6, was the youngest competitor in the event. Big sister Gabby, age 9, appeared to be the happiest competitor as she won her first event on the pony she has ridden since the age of four. This particular accomplishment was especially sweet as Broadway is in his mid-30s! Nikki Butler, age 16 from Walls, MS, competed her new paint gelding, Trick Or Treat, in his first horse show. They competed in the Restricted Beginner Novice level, where they were 2nd after dressage. Blayne Chapman, age 11 from Hernando, MS, competed in her first dressage show on Road Less Traveled. She finished 3rd in both of her introductory tests. All five girls are members of the Southern Run Pony Club and ride at River Run Eventing in Hernando, MS.
Southern Run Pony Club Horse Trials and Dressage ShowBy Meredith TiptonOn May 15th, the Southern Run Pony Club held its first annual schooling horse trials and dressage show at Cedar Wind Farm in Oxford, MS. Eighteen competitors, ranging in levels from Green As Grass thru Novice, took advantage of the beautiful weather to compete in the schooling event. Riders came from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama to ride on the new cross-country course at the Tumlin's beautiful farm. The competition concluded with a ribbon ceremony for each division, including a victory gallop for those who placed. With such a successful turnout, the Southern Run Pony Club is looking forward to holding other schooling horse trials in the future. S.R.P.C. is a member of the Deep South Region of the United States Pony Club and has farm locations in Hernando, Oxford, and Shannon, MS. For information about S.R.P.C. or to find out how to join, please contact our D.C., David Bray, at dgbray@comcast.net. 2010 Horse Trial Results: Novice 1st place: Michelle Arnold and Superlatives Only 2nd place: Natalie Langston and Merit Beginner Novice 1st place: Maggie Hyde and Maximum Reach 2nd place: Wilson Helmhout and Hero Restricted Beginner Novice A 1st place: Maddox Wise and Sable 2nd place: Alexa Sinha and Nike 3rd place: Katie Davidson and IGotAFaceToAdmire 4th place: Karin Guzman and Super Mario Restricted Beginner Novice B 1st place: Libby Sleeper and Ms. Betty 2nd place: Megan Guntharp and Road Less Traveled 3rd place: Shelby Knots and Flash Green as Grass A 1st place: Gabrielle Bray and Broadway 2nd place: Chandler Head and Jungle Boogie 3rd place: Ansley Pryer Caldwell and Trick or Treat Green as Grass B 1st place: Madeline Bray and Broadway 2nd place: Gabrielle Winthrow and Sassy Seahorse 3rd place: Elizabeth Hubbard and Joe Cool Green as Grass Adult Division 1st place: Susan Bowers and Ferriday