Pony Power Goes Pessoa: Kat Fuqua Rides with Olympic Gold ..
Pony Power Goes Pessoa: Kat Fuqua Rides with Olympic Gold Medalist Thanks to Danny & Ron's Rescue
EQUINIUM SPORTS _Wellington, FL (March 5, 2019) - 2018 US Pony Finals Grand Champion, top Junior Hunter, and multiple USEF Horse of the Year title winner Kat Fuqua took her talents to the show jumping arena of Olympic Gold Medalist Rodrigo Pessoa on Monday, where she soaked in knowledge from the prestigious rider and trainer. Thanks to Pessoa's generous donation of a private lesson the 11th Annual Kids Lip Sync, which benefits Danny & Ron's Rescue, Fuqua and her two Junior Hunter mounts, Cupido Z and RS Levitation (aka Jett) spent the morning perfecting their technique, collection, and form over fences.
Fuqua secured the winning bid on a lesson with Pessoa on February 17th, and literally jumped at the chance to get in the ring. "Rodrigo was very generous and let us bring two horses to train, and I can tell Jett and Cupido really enjoyed it," said Fuqua. "It was a change to jump show jumping fences, and he taught us a lot more about engagement and maintaining collection throughout our approach and landing. I'm very grateful to my parents for their support and to Rodrigo for donating his time to a great cause like Danny & Ron's."
Fuqua is fresh off championship finishes during Winter Equestrian Festival week 8, after giving the horses and ponies off for WEF 7. Cupido Z was Reserve Champion Junior Hunter 3'6" Under 15 and her Large Pony Prince was overall Champion WEF 7. Jett finished 5th in the Junior Hunter 3'6" Under 15, and Chic in Time (aka Spicey) was 4th in the Large Pony Hunter Classic out of 25 ponies. Riding with Pessoa was the beginning of a refreshing spring break from her full time 5th grade class schedule in Atlanta, Georgia.
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.
