Emily Lasher Proves Ponies Have No Limits

California’s Emily Lasher and The Hot Topic of Spring Song took command of the Open FEI Test of Choice division on Friday at the National Dressage Pony Cup Championship Show.  (Photo: Jennifer M. Keeler)

In its first day, the 10th Anniversary of the National Dressage Pony Cup Championship Show is already one for the record books. An astounding 114 ponies representing 26 states from literally coast to coast have converged upon the Kentucky Horse Park for this annual showcase of pony power, being held July 7-9, 2017 in conjunction with the Kentucky Dressage Association (KDA) Summer Classic I & II.

A somewhat soggy start thanks to the previous day’s deluge surrendered to glorious blue skies within the first hour, and exhibitors’ excitement shone just as brightly as the sun as they contested the first of two rounds of championship competition ranging from Intro to Grand Prix. And thanks to livestreaming on the USEF Network, pony enthusiasts around the world were able to follow the action with expert commentary by FEI 5* (ret) judge Axel Steiner.

The National Dressage Pony Cup Championship Show once again showcased how dressage ponies have no limitations in successfully competing all the way through the Grand Prix Level. Emily Lasher’s 33-hour drive across the country from Poway, Calif. is proving worthwhile as she took the overnight lead in the FEI Test of Choice Open division with 66.053% earned at Intermediate I aboard her Welsh cross gelding The Hot Topic of Spring Song.

In the Amateur FEI Test of Choice ranks, Jennifer Carr of Columbus, Ohio also earned a first round victory with her German Riding Pony gelding Charly Brown at Prix St. Georges (61.842%), while the Junior/Young Rider division went to Hannah Irons of Queenstown, Md. who rode her draft cross gelding My Lucky Charm to earn 61.447% for their Prix St. Georges performance. Suzannah Rogers of Nesmith, S.C. has hopes of qualifying for the USEF Pony Rider National Championship next month at Lamplight, and she looked well on her way by winning today’s FEI Pony Team Test with 62.115% aboard her Haflinger gelding Adrenaline Rush SBF.

To watch the National Dressage Pony Cup LIVE, visit the USEF Network – coverage resumes Saturday, July 8th at 7:30am ET. Complete results from the first day of competition is available here. To find out more information about the National Dressage Pony Cup programs, visit the NDPC website at www.dressageponycup.com and visit their Facebook page. To view National Dressage Pony Cup championship show information including prize list, exhibitors, classes and ride times, visit www.showsecretary.com.