Lexington, KY – August 9, 2025 – Competition in the Rolex Stadium for the 2025 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall + Sterling came to a close on Saturday with 145 large regular ponies showing over fences. The overall national champion title for the large regulars went to Victory, a 2015 German Riding Pony gelding owned by Triple C Equestrian, LLC, and shown by Currie Cooper (Point Clear, Ala.)
“We’ve had this pony for two years,” said Cooper. “He was really green [when we got him.] He was a dressage pony.”
His dressage background meant he came with some nice features, like great lead changes, but he was new to jumping. Cooper and her trainers worked together on developing his jump and getting him moving forward. Cooper remembers her first ride on him, when she tried him at Capital Challenge.
Currie Cooper and Victory
“I couldn’t really get down a line—he’s just really quiet,” she said. With his development as a hunter, he’s become a joy to ride. “He’s really smooth and comfortable.”
Cooper has been showing at Pony Finals for four years, and this marks Cooper’s second Pony Finals championship, her first being in the medium regulars with Paris Charm back in 2023. Victory was at the top of the standings heading into Saturday’s under saddle, but Cooper didn’t let the spotlight get to her.
“I didn’t really feel any pressure,” she said. “I wasn’t really nervous.”
Cooper’s trainer, Richard Cunkle, said that her relaxed demeanor is part of what makes her a successful show rider.
“She’s as cool as a cucumber,” he said. “Her work ethic is amazing. She doesn’t care if they’re bucking or rearing—she’ll ride 10 just like that all the time.”
Lilly Herzog and Gentle Touch
The reserve champion title went to Gentle Touch and Lilly Herzog. Behind by just 0.12 points, On Tour and Kenzie Smith secured third place.
Following the Large Regular Pony Hunter National Championship, Charlotte Morassutti and Best Sport from the Medium Regular Pony Hunters returned to accept the Grand Regular Pony Hunter National Championship. Following just behind her in the standings was Cooper and Victory, for the reserve overall title.
Charlotte Morassutti and Best Sport
While the Pony Hunters have come to an end, the 2025 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Marshall and Sterling, will conclude Sunday at 7 am in the Alltech Arena with the highly anticipated USEF Pony Medal Final.