Suzanne Smith (Paradise, Texas) and Branson (Brando x Hoppenhof’s Merel), her 2015 German Riding Pony gelding, made the trek from Texas to Florida to compete in their first intermediate national championship together, and Spring Fling was worth the trip.

Photo – Suzanne Smith and Branson. (©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian)

“It’s a two-day drive to get here. I love Florida,” said Smith. “I ended up with the national championship for intermediate, and last year I won the prelim. My goal was to step up to the next level, and so it’s very exciting.”

Smith and Branson make the most of their time training at home, but the robust driving community and facilities in Florida are always a draw.

“I haven’t really been able to work him like I want to because the weather’s been so bad in Texas,” said Smith “I came out a little bit early to drive him and work him here, and he was really good.”

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