Kat Fuqua: On the Road To Achieving Her Dreams – The Last Unicorn of Mindy Darst Continues Building On A Solid Foundation

10-year-old Kat Fuqua and her Goldhill’s Arresting Charm
Photo by Anne Gittins

By Britney Grover

Not many 10-year-olds — or adults, for that matter — are on a 20-year career plan, but Kat Fuqua knows what she wants. Born to USDF gold medalist grand prix dressage riders Jeff and Shereen Fuqua, it was only a matter of time before Kat’s interest in riding surfaced. What couldn’t have been predicted was her special blend of passion, maturity, talent and determination that have her on the road to achieving her dreams.

Kat’s first ride was on a miniature named Buttercup on her first birthday — complete with “My First Ride” halter.
Photo by Alicia Frese

“My goals for riding are to one day get a champion ribbon at Pony Finals, and my really, really, really, really, really long-term plan is to make it to the Olympics,” Kat shared. Having turned 10 just before Pony Finals this year, Kat’s resume already proves she’s got what it takes. In 2017 alone, she has a wealth of tri-color ribbons from Atlanta A and AA shows; earned multiple ribbons at Devon; was WEF Circuit Champion for green pony hunter and 11 & under equitation, as well as Champion in the medium pony division; won the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby in week 9 at WEF followed by the $10,000 USHJA Jr/Amateur National Hunter Derby the next day; and finished fifth of 174 competitors in the Marshall & Sterling USEF Pony Medal Final. Kat is currently the USHJA’s most winning Pony Derby Rider in the country.