Special to the Horsetrader

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO—From The American Tradition of Excellence in the equitation ring to a plethora of pony events and a National Derby of with over 50 entries, the third week of the Blenheim EquiSports June Series was chock-full of competition, education, and social events.

The small, medium, and large ponies gathered in the Pacific Field on Wednesday afternoon for a model clinic and the pony fun continued for division competition, classics and derbies, a horsemanship test, lots of tasty treats, and special awards into the weekend.

On Wednesday afternoon, National Show Hunter Hall of Fame 2019 inductee, Carleton Brooks, along with his wife, Traci, hosted the first pony event of the week. Riders of all ages and pony divisions were able to bring their mounts to the Pony Model Clinic to learn technique and how to handle their pony’s personality.

“Our goal with the modeling clinic is to help the up and coming pony riders understand why we model, what the judges are looking for, and how to make the best of their pony’s traits. The kids were great and it was fun to watch them in the models the next day using what they learned,” noted the Brooks of Balmoral.

The Plaid Horse Network offered the event live and Calabasas Saddlery sponsored gift bags for all the participants, including Gumbits, chewing gum for horses and ponies. Once the clinic finished, everyone was invited to a reception with refreshments, snacks and time to hang out with friends.

Thursday had the first day of pony classes along with the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Test, a written horsemanship quiz and hands-on test for the competitors. Winners of each age group in the Horsemanship Exam received a $100 Educational Grant from US Equestrian and a gift bag from Calabasas Saddlery. In the 15-17 age group, the highest score was Augusta Iwasaki. In the 12-14 age group, Katherine Simonds earned the highest score. Hailey Eynon was the top quiz taker of the 9-11 age group. And Chloe Eynon was best of the 8-under group. After racking their horsemanship brains, everyone was invited to relax and enjoy a Cupcake Party.

After two full days Thursday and Friday of model, under saddle, and over fences classes, Heavenly Patch of Blue, owned by Enchantment Farms LLC, and Shiloh Roseboom earned 45 points in the Small Pony Hunter division. As the pair with the most points in all three divisions, they were also awarded the Overall Grand Championship title in the West Coast Pony Challenge, presented by USHJA Zone 10. Along with the title, Roseboom’s name will be added to The Perpetual Trophy, donated by Willow Brook Stables.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, green ponies of all sizes took the grass field to compete in the final portion of the West Coast Pony Challenge, presented by USHJA Zone 10, and it was Wireman who emerged as the Overall Grand Green Pony Champion with Jimmy Choo.

More online: http://bit.ly/907_ponies