Fuqua Rounds Out 2018 with Top Finishes..Rings in 2019 ..
Fuqua Rounds Out 2018 with Top Finishes at Atlanta Fall Classics, Rings in 2019 at ESP New Years
EQUINIUM SPORTS _ Conyers, GA and Wellington, FL (January 1, 2019) - A beginning and an end: the transition into the New Year brought new accolades for 11-year-old Kat Fuqua, who rounded out her 2018 season with top finishes in Atlanta before swapping the Georgia backdrop for Florida's sun and palms and a few more ribbons to add to her New Year celebrations. Blazing her way through the Large and Medium Pony Hunters, as well as the Junior Hunter divisions, Fuqua's equines are now perfectly positioned for more show ring success in 2019.
During one of the Classic Company's largest hunter jumper events at the Georgia Horse Park, Fuqua made her final claims on the 2018 USHJA and USEF rankings. In the Atlanta Fall Classic I, she took the top two spots with Chic in Time, aka Spicey and Brighton as Champion and Reserve Champion Large Pony. Her decorated and top ranked Medium Pony, Finesse RF (aka Ladybug) took the Champion WIHS Pony and Reserve Champion Marshall & Sterling US Pony Medal. The elegant gray mare Sasha Fierce highlighted her beauty and athleticism by finishing first Under Saddle and first in the Model Medium Pony. Prestige (aka Prince), Fuqua's newest pony mount, finished as Champion in the Children's Hunter Pony Classic and Reserve Champion in the Children's Hunter Pony.
Coming off a successful National Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, Fuqua's Junior Hunter mounts were rested during the first week in Atlanta and took to the Classic II in full force. RS Levitation (aka Jett) took the Junior Hunter 3'6" Reserve Champion, while Calvaro (aka Elmo) changed gears to take his young rider to ribbons in the Equitation: second in the WIHS Hunter Phase and 5th in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal.
The ponies were not to be outshone, with Ladybug taking Champion in the Small/Medium Pony Hunter Classic, Champion in the WIHS Pony and Marshall & Sterling US Pony Medal, and Reserve in the Medium Pony. Sasha was first Under Saddle and second in the Handy for the Medium Hunter Pony, while Prince jumped to Champion Special Hunter 2'6". Brighton finished week two as Champion Large Pony and Reserve Champion in the Large Pony Classic.
Team Fuqua's ending standings in Atlanta included Brighton finishing as USHJA Zone 4 Finals Champion Large Pony and the 2018 Classic Company Large Pony hunter High Point Champion, while Ladybug secured the USHJA Zone 4 Finals Reserve Champion Medium Pony. Jett was awarded the 2018 Classic Company Junior Hunter 3'6" High Point Championship. Prince also won Champion of the Large Green Ponies at the December Atlanta Classic, qualifying him for the 2019 USEF Pony Finals presented by Collecting Gaits Farm.
Fuqua's final USHJA and USEF standings for 2018 will be officially announced in January. Warming up for the 12-weeks of Winter Equestrian Festival action, Fuqua rang in the New Year with more top finishes during the December 28-30 ESP New Years show. Elmo jumped to Champion in the Junior 3'6" for all sizes and all ages, while Brighton took Reserve Champion in the Large Pony Hunter. Riding her new Junior Hunter mount Cupido Z, Fuqua took first in the Junior 3'6" Hack, while Prince finished first in the Large Pony Handy and second in the WIHS Medal. Spicey also finished second twice in the Large Pony Hunters to kick off Fuqua's 2019 show record.
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, 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.
