Lexington, KY – August 8, 2024 – The Regular Small Pony Hunters rounded out day three of the 2024 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Marshall and Sterling. The shining sun was nothing compared to the smiles of young pony riders exiting the Rolex Arena on Thursday evening in the Bluegrass State. Kevin Holowack (CAN) set a classic hunter course, allowing pony-and-rider combinations to showcase their skills in the spotlight. Following three division phases, Lillian Thomas and Sun’s Up climbed the rankings in a field of 121 seasoned Small Pony Hunters to secure the Regular Small Pony Hunter National Championship, presented by Kickapoo Ponies. With a win in the over fences phase, it was Carsyn Korotkin and Pepsi who claimed the Reserve Championship honors.
Thomas and the 10-year-old Welsh Pony mare owned by Maureen Mooney, showed off just how strong their partnership is as they handled the pressure with ease. The pair entered the Rolex Arena sitting in fifth place overall, but Thomas did not waver and took the opportunity to flaunt her pony’s beautiful jump. She went over her plan several times with her mother and trainer Nora Thomas, aiming to treat the course like a handy so that it seemed smooth and effortless. The pair made easy work of the course, earning a jumping score of 524.72 points and an overall score of 1042.21.
Lillian Thomas and Sun’s Up
“I was pretty nervous, I just wanted to have a good round,” noted Lillian. “Our energy in the ring was perfect though. He was quiet in the schooling ring and he had really good energy in the ring. He’s pretty quiet, so he usually needs a lot of leg, but he’s really sweet.”
Lillian began showing Sun’s Up last year for Mooney, who has twin daughters who compete with him in the Short Stirrup division. Based on the West Coast at Parkside Stables, Lillian and Sun’s Up competed at the Desert International Horse Park, HITS Del Mar and Blenheim before traveling to Kentucky to represent Zone 10 during the 2024 USEF Pony Finals.
Korotkin and Pepsi had the day’s winning round during the over fences phase, garnering a score of 530.00. Although close to perfection, the duo could not quite catch Sun’s Up overall score and they finished the day with a score of 1039.07 to earn the reserve championship.
Carsyn Korotkin and Pepsi
The 2024 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Marshall and Sterling, will continue Friday at 7:00AM EST with the Regular Large Pony Hunter Model and Under Saddle. The day will conclude in the Rolex Arena with the Medium and Large Green Hunter Over Fences. The Claiborne will play host to the Jumper Individual Phase II and Team Championship. Competition will conclude Sunday, August 11, with the highly anticipated Pony Medal.