Lexington, Ky. – July 26, 2024 – Pony riders have begun to gather at the Kentucky Horse Park ahead of the 2024 USEF Pony Finals, and on Friday they had the opportunity to compete in the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. With two beautiful rounds, Bridget Harris and Qualen’s Charismagic took home the winning title. Reilly Robertson and Clovermeade Heartthrob followed closely, finishing in second place by just one point, while Lilly Herzog and Sugarbrook Adorabelle rounded out the top three.
“It feels amazing to win today,” expressed Harris. “I’ve only been riding Qualen’s Charismagic for three months and I’m super happy with our progress. She’s been in my barn for awhile. She has such a big stride – it’s like riding a horse, and I love her riding her so much!”
Bridget Harris and Qualen’s Charismagic
A field of over 30 large, medium and small ponies showed over Jasen Shelley’s round, and the top 12 were invited to return for the handy round. The handy phase featured several rollbacks, an in-and-out and a trot fence.
Reilly Robertson and Clovermeade Heartthrob
Harris and Qualen’s Charismagic, owned by Carolex Stables LLC, returned for the handy phase with a score of 84 in the classic phase and had a brilliant handy round that scored an 86 for a two round total of 170 with the medium pony. Small pony Clovermeade Heartthrob earned a score of 169 for the second place award with Reilly Robertson, and Lilly Herzog climbed the standings with medium pony Sugarbrook Adorabelle to earn a 168 and the third place honors. At the end of the day the riders returned to accept their ribbons with Harris and Qualen’s Charismagic leading the lap of honor.
Lilly Herzog and Sugarbrook Adorabelle
“Our plan was to be as handy as possible and to just take our time out there and really focus on getting our distances,” explained Harris after her win. “My favorite part of our course was our two stride because she really jumped amazingly and it was our last jump.”
Harris is preparing for the 2024 USEF Pony Finals, and is happy to be at the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows ahead of the championship. She concluded, “I love how competitive it is and how pretty all the jumps are. It’s really fun competing with all my friends!”
As a World Champion Hunter Rider week, the Kentucky Summer Horse Show will feature more hunter action this week, including Sunday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Many riders have gathered to prepare for the 2024 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship, the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, and the 2024 USEF Pony Finals, which will all take place in August at the Kentucky Horse Park.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
Bridget Harris and Qualen’s Charismagic