California Split Doubles Fuqua's WEF 9 ..
California Split Doubles Fuqua's WEF 9 Large Pony Hunter Championships, Spring Break Week Marks New Milestones
EQUINIUM SPORTS _ Wellington, FL (March 12, 2019) - Spring Break WEF 9 marked a number of milestones for Kat Fuqua and her team of horses and ponies, between a double Championship at Pony Island in the Large Pony Hunters, the USHJA Pony Derby, harnessing the advice of Olympians, multiple scores into the mid 80s in the Junior Hunters, and her first time out under the guidance of a new trainer. Making the most of her time off from a full time 5th grade schedule in Atlanta, Fuqua and her family are making this a WEF to remember.
The previous week Fuqua took a lesson, courtesy of Danny and Ron's Rescue, with Olympic Gold Medalist Rodrigo Pessoa. It was a stepping stone towards a new training method and advanced skills, which were then reinforced by new trainer, Jimmy Torano of JET Show Stable. As an international Grand Prix show jumper, USEF "R" Judge, and hunter equitation expert, Torano's technical training, aimed at polishing Fuqua's skills as she becomes more competitive in the Junior Hunter 3'6" divisions, seemed to pay off in a big way in the ponies and beyond. In a foray from her typical equestrian discipline, Fuqua has also been working with dressage Olympian and founder of Dressage4Kids, Lendon Gray with the goal of improving her rounds and flatwork between fences.
Saturday March 9th's $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby saw Brighton and Prestige compete in their first ever Pony Derby with Fuqua and a placing of 10th overall out of 52 ponies for Brighton. In WEF 9's Large Pony Hunters, a California split divided the division into sections A and B. With Fuqua in the irons, Brighton was Champion of Section A and Chic in Time, aka Spicey, was Champion of Section B out of 30 entries total, marking both ponies' first time taking a tricolor ribbon this circuit. Brighton was also Champion of the Large Pony Classic with an 87 and an 82, while Spicey took Reserve Champion with two 84s .
Not to be outdone by his barn mates, Prestige, aka Prince, was Champion in the Large/Medium Green Pony Hunters and won the Large/Medium Green Pony Classic with an 84 and 85. Cupido Z was Reserve Champion in the Large Junior Hunter Under 15 division, and Calvaro, aka Elmo, delivered top scoring rounds in the 80s both Saturday and Sunday. He finished second in the Small Junior Hunter 3'6" Under 15 division with an 84 on Saturday's Handy round and third with an 83 on Sunday in the Stake. Her other Junior Hunter, RS Levitation, aka Jett, enjoyed a much deserved week of rest.
Being able to focus on her riding and enjoy time with friends and family were the best part of Spring Break for Fuqua. "We've been snorkeling, seen dolphins, and had a really fun photo shoot with my mom and Anne Gittins," she said. "My dad also came from Atlanta to watch me show, and I was very happy with all of the horses. In my lesson with Rodrigo, he taught me not to throw my body, which I think really helped my horses and ponies. Lendon worked with all of my ponies and Junior Hunters on developing a soft but steady connection. Jimmy's training is also really helping me, for example jumping forward into a line to avoid racing in the middle. Since I'm usually at school during the week and only show on the weekends it was really great to have the time to focus and have fun."
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 Jimmy Torano, 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 5th grade student and takes pride in developing alongside her horses. In addition to riding, Kat enjoys spending time with her school friends and her favorite subject is French.
