SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Forty-seven small, medium and large ponies competed on the grass in the Zone 10 Pony Challenge open and green divisions. With model and under saddle classes on Saturday morning, ice cream and cupcakes in the afternoon, and an over-fences portion on Sunday morning, the tinier yet talented troop had an excellent showing.

Ten-year-old Augusta Iwasaki had her work cut out for her, riding seven ponies between the open and green divisions. After the two days of competing were complete, Iwasaki and her medium pony Somekindawonderful garnered a model score of 88, under saddle of 92 and another 88 over fences for a total of 268 points and the Overall Grand Champion honors.

Overall Reserve Grand Champion went to Small Addition, piloted by Juliette Joseph and owned by Iwasaki & Reilly, who finished with scores of 90, 92 and 82 for a total of 264.

Already experienced, Iwasaki is mastering the ride at a young age. She was happy with her pony, whose barn name is Ronald, and loved the setting of the event.

“He’s really sweet and was good this week,” she said. “I showed seven ponies, three were catch rides, and loved showing on the grass!”

Planning on heading to Lexington, Ken., for the USEF Pony Finals, Iwasaki is well prepared for the pressure of this popular pony extravaganza.

Earning a total score of 252, medium green pony Touche’ with Sara Murphy in the irons was awarded Overall Grand Champion Green Pony Hunter.

Zone 10 Pony Hunter Challenge Results
Place – Entry Number – Horse – Rider – Owner – Overall Score
Overall Grand Champion – 397 – Somekindawonderful – Augusta Iwasaki – Iwasaki & Reilly – 268
Overall Reserve Grand Champion – 395 – Small Addition – Juliette Joseph – Iwasaki & Reilly – 264
Small Pony Hunter
Champion – 395 – Small Addition – Juliette Joseph – Iwasaki & Reilly – 264
Reserve – 394 – Bit Of Laughter – Augusta Iwasaki – Iwasaki & Reilly – 258
Medium Pony Hunter
Champion – 397 – Somekindawonderful – Augusta Iwasaki – Iwasaki & Reilly – 268
Reserve – 376 – Madeline – Brooke Morin – Laura Strasburg – 251
Large Pony Hunter
Champion – Party Favor – Brooke Morin – Laura Strasburg – 261
Reserve – Chiccobello – Alexa Leong – Alexa Leong – 254
Overall Grand Champion Green – 637 – Touche’ – Sara Murphy – SCM Pony, LLC – 252
Overall Grand Reserve Champion Green – 395 – Small Addition – Juliette Joseph – 246
Small Green Pony
Champion – 395 – Small Addition – Juliette Joseph – 246
Reserve – 639 – Alliance Bowregard – Sydney Flashman – 199
Medium Green Pony
Champion – 637 – Touche’ – Sara Murphy – SCM Pony, LLC – 252
Reserve – 547 – Misty Springs Wild Rose – Lauren Flather – Kathleen Flather – 245
Large Green Pony
Champion – 791 – Glenhaven Golden Idol – Hannah Hieber – Hannah Hieber – 225
Reserve – 801 – Splendent – Sophia Silveira – Sophia Silveira – 217