Fuqua Tops Old Atlanta Classic …
Fuqua Tops Old Atlanta Classic Series Junior Hunter, Pony Divisions
EQUINIUM SPORTS _ Atlanta, GA (July 27, 2018) - With scores in the Junior Hunter and pony ring as high as 88 and 90, Kat Fuqua once again showed off her and her horses' talent over fences over the past two weeks of competition during the Old Atlanta Classic series. Held July 14 & 15 and July 21 & 22, the two weekend show earned Fuqua multiple Championships and Reserve Championships in the Large Pony, Medium Pony, and Junior Hunter divisions.
Her newest mount, Brighton, has been making a splash despite his short tenure with Fuqua at the reins. The large pony is one of the top in the country, and has an unblemished record of only Champion and Reserve placings with his latest owner and rider in the irons. During the two weeks of competition at the Old Atlanta Classic, Brighton took Champion Large Pony during week 2 and Reserve Champion during week 1, topping the large and competitive division. With Pony Finals in her sights, Fuqua noted Brighton's performance at the Old Atlanta Classic series as a big step forward towards the August competition: "I am very happy that at my third show with Brighton I got Champion," said Fuqua. "He and I have only been training together for about a month. He has such a big stride I have to learn to collect to fit the strides in. I am working really hard to click with him in preparation for Pony Finals in August.”
That elusive synergy was apparent in Fuqua's results with all of her ponies and especially her two Junior Hunter horses, RS Levitation, aka Jett, and Calvaro. Aboard Jett, her first Junior Hunter partner, Fuqua rode to impressive scores of 90 and 88 in the Junior Amateur Owner Classic against a field of competitive horses and riders. Surpassing her own high hunter derby scores, for which she is ranked #1 Pony Derby rider in the country, Fuqua stated she is harnessing the practice and polish in her rides to drive her towards Junior National Championships: “In the past year, I've been given an 87 at a National Derby so this is a big accomplishment for me leading into Junior National Championships next week," said Fuqua. "I rode up to the jumps more as my trainer Michael Newman has been teaching me for 8 months. I held back in the past because I was nervous how big the jumps are in the Junior 3’6”. I found out that it is easier for the horse if I go more forward than pulling back at the base.”
In the Junior Hunter ring, Jett also captured Champion Junior Hunter both weekends, with the second week Championship including all of the Amateur Owner competitors. Fuqua also rode Jett to Champion of the Junior/Amateur Owner Hunter Classic both weekends. Fuqua's second Junior Hunter mount, Calvaro, was nipping at Jett's heels the entire series, taking Reserve Champion in the Junior Hunter Division and second in the Junior/Amateur Owner Hunter Classic during week 2.
Fuqua, who celebrated her 11th birthday on July 25, also topped just about every division she was entered over the course of the two weekends. She and her palomino pony, Chic in Time, aka Spicey, jumped to Champion Large Pony and Champion Pony Classic during week 1 and Reserve Champion Large Pony during week 2. Finesse RF, aka Ladybug, scored double Champion Medium Pony Championships during both weeks, and a Champion Pony Classic during week 2.
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.
