Karen O'Connor and "The Pony" Theodore O'Connor Wow The Crowd, Finishing Third

Karen O’Connor and Theodore O’Connor (“the pony” as he was referred to all weekend long) put in an unbelievable performance in show jumping to leap from ninth place after cross-country to third overall and the runner-up position for the USEF Pinnacle Cup Trophy. The 12-year-old “Teddy” paid no mind to his 14.1-hand stature, easily covering the ground and making up the distance throughout the weekend. The pair’s final score was 60.1, and “the pony” was awarded the Best Conditioned Horse Trophy.

“Never in my wildest dreams,” said the rider after show jumping. “It’s been like a fairy tale. I’ve never had more fun than I had this weekend with this pony. He feels like a giant out there.”

There were plenty of people that were skeptical, and at times, O’Connor included herself in that group. But, Theodore O’Connor proved the mettle of his Thoroughbred/Arabian/Shetland breeding after romping around the cross-country on Saturday. He never got near a rail in show jumping to the wild delight of the enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Ever a crowd pleaser, Theodore O’Connor relished in the atmosphere. O’Connor already has her eye on bigger things for the pony.

“I’d love to take him to the Pan Ams,” she said. “He’s only just getting started.”

Heidi White-Carty, and her own Northern Spy, took their time around the show jumping track, adding a rail and seven time faults. They put in a commendable effort all weekend and ended up in fourth place on a score of 63.0. Carty-White was awarded the trophy for the highest-placed owner-rider.

Twenty-year-old Sara Mittleider had three rails in show jumping with El Primero, but held on to the top Young Rider’s honors and went home with the J.D. Reeves Trophy for the third time in as many years.

The Zeppa International Trophy, which is awarded to the best turned out pair at the horse inspections, was awarded to the stylish combination of Kristin Schmolze and Cavaldi.

Highlights from the event will be broadcast by NBC Sports in a one-hour special on Sunday, May 6, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. EDT.