From Shelley Mann
The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. headed to Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), July 25 – 29, 2018 for the USPC Charles Owen 2018 Championships East, presented by Flair, LLC and Airowear.
Each year, USPC holds National Championships in Dressage, Western Dressage, Eventing, Mounted Games, Polocrosse, Quiz, Show Jumping and Tetrathlon. All members competing at Championships qualify through participation in Regional Rallies, where teams of members are selected. Teams are scored not only on their success in the ring or on the field, but also on their Horse Management skills and knowledge.
The event kicked off Thursday evening July 26 with the festive Opening Ceremonies bringing together Pony Club competitors, volunteers, friends and family for a celebration. The traditional TIEC Saturday Night Lights featured the President’s Cup, a competition among the top five senior Games teams from the week’s competition. Riders and horses tested their skills in relay games at high speeds, such as dunking an object into a basket at a full gallop, and passing a baton to other team members.
“Pony Club warmly welcomes competitors from across the globe for the 2018 Tetrathlon Exchange and the New Vocations Pony Club Challenge to join us for fun and competition at this year’s USPC Charles Owen Championships East, presented by Flair, LLC and Airowear.” said Teresa Woods, Executive Director of United States Pony Clubs, Inc. Pony Club thanks all the generous sponsors of the Championships.
The cornerstones of the Pony Club foundation are education, safety, sportsmanship, stewardship and fun. Members learn teamwork, a sense of responsibility, safety, self-confidence, and leadership, through the riding and care of horses. The Championships bring together hundreds of members, volunteers and families as there are activities for all to see and do during the event. The team environment provides a unique experience that creates life-long bonds and for many is the pinnacle of achievement during their Pony Club career.
To learn more about the USPC 2018 Championships East, please visit www.ponyclub.org or download the USPC event app.
The Midsouth Region sent several teams to this year’s Championships East.
In Tetrathalon: Cian and Aiden Yorba.
Quiz: Madison Trenaman, Faith Barringer, Taylor Parker, Flannery Morey, Elke Brann, Ashley Wiemers, Taylor Thompson, Ella Moss, Ashleigh Lunsford, Audrey DeRossett, and Arielle Fulk.
Games: Zoe Love, Kaia Baker, Mary Ledford, and Daisy Brockman.
Dressage: Julia Magsam and Diana Jacobs.
Show Jumping: Audrey Cozzi, Ella Braun, Ellie Jaynes, Lidia Olyha, Morgan Trotter, Sarah Miller, and Madelyn Gibbs, Stable Manager.
Eventing – Novice: Emma Smith, Ezra Sanders, Emma Drury, Ruth Rosendaul, Anabelle Friend, and Alex Lahman, Stable Manager.
Eventing – Beginner Novice: Leah Massa, Nora Brown, Corinne Brunker, Isabelle Brunker, and Aine O’Rourke.
Keely Bechtol is doing the New Vocations competition.
