Brighton Undefeated, RS Levitation Top ..
Brighton Undefeated, RS Levitation Top 3 USEF Junior Hunter Under Fuqua
EQUINIUM SPORTS _ Lexington, Kentucky (August 7, 2018) - The 2018 Junior Hunter National Championships and Kentucky Summer Classic had quite a few bright spots for 11-year-old Kat Fuqua. From the milestone of her first International Hunter Derby to finishing 3rd in the nation in the highly competitive junior hunter ring, Fuqua and her horses, under the tutelage of trainer Michael Newman, jumped to victory in a number of divisions and progress with focused determination towards the USEF Pony Finals presented by Collecting Gaits Farm.
Kicking off her two weeks of success in Saugerties, New York July 30-31, Fuqua and RS Levitation floated over the Junior Hunter Championship course to finish third overall, including a second place finish in the Handy. RS Levitation, aka Jett, was Fuqua's first foray small horse mount out of the pony divisions almost two years ago. Her other top mount, the Large Pony Brighton, proved he was indeed a bright one during the following week's Kentucky Spring Classic at the Kentucky Horse Park. Taking both Grand Pony Champion out of a field of 188 and Champion Large Pony, Brighton and Fuqua sustained their undefeated Champion or Reserve Champion record since their partnership began less than two months ago.
"I've never received Grand Champion Pony at a venue as big as Kentucky," said Fuqua. "The best ponies from around the country came to show here prior to USEF Pony Finals, and I'm so grateful to have Brighton, who is very special." Fuqua was equally thrilled with Jett's third overall finish in the USEF Junior Hunter National Championships, stating, "I am really proud just to have qualified Jett last fall at the 3'6" level, and have only been riding horses for a year and half. I think that all of my experience in the pony ring is paying off. [Trainer] Michael [Newman} has really stepped up my training in both ponies and horses; he's really funny and keeps me relaxed."
In addition to her two big finishes with Jett and Brighton, Fuqua noted another milestone with her other Junior Hunter mount, Calvaro. The pair competed against some of the sport's top names and over some very large jumps in Kat's very first ever USHJA International Hunter Derby. With this level being quite a step up for the soon-to-be fifth grader, Fuqua and Elmo, as Calvaro is known around the barn, were able to successfully add another accomplishment to their horse show resume.
And despite Brighton's big wins, Fuqua's other ponies were not to be outshone by the brilliant Large pony during the Kentucky Spring Classic: Finesse RF, aka Ladybug, took Champion Medium Pony, including topping the Handy Class with a score of 88; and her palomino pony, Chic In Time, aka Spicey, finished as Reserve Champion in the Large Pony Division. Now with her eye on Pony Finals, Fuqua aims to maintain her undefeated record with Brighton and ride her ponies to ribbons at the nation's premier pony competition: "This is my fifth pony finals, and I really give it my all every year," said Fuqua. "I love seeing my friends from around the country and making new ones!"
The USHJA currently ranks Fuqua and her equines #1 in the Zone 4 Horse of the Year standings for the Junior Hunters, Pony Hunter Medium, and Pony Hunter Large divisions. In the USHJA 2018 Pony Hunter Derby National Rider standings, Fuqua is on top as a rider for overall money won and her pony, Finesse RF, aka Ladybug, tops the USHJA 2018 Pony Hunter Derby National Horse Standings.
Kat Fuqua's passion for horses is reflected not only in her highly decorated Pony Hunter and Junior Hunter rider results, but also in the joy and dedication she shows each time she swings into the saddle. Based out of Atlanta, Georgia and under the guidance of trainer Michael Newman of Aubrey Hill Farm in Pensacola, Florida, every aspect of Fuqua's riding, training, and show career reflects a unique ardor for equines and horse sport. She balances her equestrian lifestyle with attendance as a full time coming 5th grade student and takes pride in developing alongside her horses.
