The pony riders made their debut this morning in the Grand Prix Arena, completing their FEI Team Test, the first of two tests for the division. Ben McWhorter (Baton Rouge, La.) rode Littel Joe 2, Jennifer Burts’s 1996 German Riding Pony gelding, to the top score of the class, a 68.428%.

Photo – Ben McWhorter and Littel John. (©SusanJStickle.com)

Class Results

Current Overall Standings:

1. Bennett McWhorter and Littel Joe 2
2. Alexandra Garvey and Unscripted
3. Mary Chapman Martin and Cadbane H

From the Mixed Zone:

Tell us about your pony.

Ben McWhorter: Littel Joe is owned by Jennifer Burts, who is a rider in the area and was super kind to let me ride “Joey” and compete on him, and it’s been such a fun time. He’s a 27-year-old German Riding Pony. He’s slightly a catch ride; I’ve worked with him for about the past six months, so it’s a good partnership.

How did your test go today?

BM: It went really well today. Super accurate tests, which is always what I’m trying to go for to just eke every little point out since he doesn’t always make up for it in movement compared to some other ponies.

Have you shown at FOC before? What do you like about this show?

BM: Last year I showed at Festival with my mare Fortoula in the Children division, and I’m going to compete with her this year too. I like how it’s a fairly small show compared to some others and how personable it is because you get to know the other competitors. You can have a really good time because you get to watch more rides and get to understand the whole dynamic, and there are so many different levels here.

Full Schedule and Results

2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions Livestream

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