Avery Dimmig and Due North Know the Way to Championship in Amateur-Owner Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival in Tampa

Lauren Hogan and Heart’s Desire Are Medium Pony Champs

Tampa, FL- April 2, 2005 - Today is the final day of competition for the Winter Equestrian Festival. The nine week circuit is the world’s largest and longest equestrian competition and ends tonight in Tampa.

Today is also the last chance for many to earn points for circuit championships. These special awards will be presented tonight before the Budweiser American Invitational at Raymond James Stadium.

Lauren Hogan came from the Ocala Winter Circuit, where she was the Medium Pony circuit champion on Heart’s Desire, to go against new faces and stiff competition at WEF.

Hogan and her old partner were third in the under saddle and received first and fourth place ribbons over fences. In their remaining over fences classes, they were first and second. Reserve champion went to WEF circuit champions Tuscany and Jennifer Waxman.

The ponies showed in the Charlie Lykes Arena, which was a switch from the outdoor rings of Wellington and Ocala. It had no effect on Heart’s Desire, as Hogan explained, “She goes the same indoor and out- perfect!”

Hogan credits her pony for a lot of their success. “She really helps me out. You just keep her on one pace and the distances are right there,” she said. Hogan added, “One time today, actually, I didn’t see the distance and she just did it right for me. She’s a very good pony and very sweet.”

An old partnership was renewed this weekend when Megan Massaro piloted Elite Hint of Blue to the Large Pony Hunter Championship. Massaro originally rode the adorable grey pony two years ago at Pony Finals, where they were reserve champions in the Large Green Ponies. Since then, owner Jessie Matakis has had success with him.

Massaro explained why she picked up the ride again. “Jessie outgrew the pony, so now he’s back to get sold,” she said. “He’s awesome to ride. He’s got a great jump and he’s really brave. He always goes to the jump and gets automatic lead changes. He’s just simple.”

Elite Hint of Blue was third in the under saddle class yesterday and placed first and fifth over fences. Today, Massaro piloted him to two second place finishes in the remaining over fences classes. Reserve champion in the division went to After the Laughter and Alexandra Arute, who rode for Scott Stewart.

Massaro was very pleased to be able to ride the pony again and be champion in tough competition. Elite Hint of Blue has matured since their original union. “He grew up a lot. He’s much easier to ride and his lead changes are much better,” she said with a smile.

Avery Dimmig and Due North made the most of their Florida winter circuit. They were champions in the last week of WEF and it vaulted them ahead of the competition in the tight race for circuit champion in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters. Dimmig revealed, “It’s a relief to win this week. It was nice to end on a good note.”

Due North was amazingly consistent and had a tough battle this week with Orange County and Charlie Jayne, who were reserve champions. Due North won the under saddle class and was first and second over fences yesterday. They then finished up with three second place finishes in the remaining over fences classes.

Due North has steadily improved his performance throughout WEF. “He’s figured out the routine. He knows what his job is. He knows now that the least amount of work he does is better for him and better for all of us,” she said with a laugh. Dimmig added, “He goes basically from the stall to the ring, which is really nice.”

Due North has become somewhat accustomed to having the tricolor flapping on his bridle and posing for pictures. Dimmig divulged, “His personality is so much fun. He knows when he’s good. It makes it that much more fun when they really enjoy doing their job and doing it well.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Due North and Avery Dimmig, champions in Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival in Tampa. Photo by Randi Muster.