Wishing on WIHS: Fuqua Wows ..
Wishing on WIHS: Fuqua Wows in Ponies, Junior Hunters, Equitation, and Style at Washington International Horse Show
EQUINIUM SPORTS _Washington, DC (November 8, 2018) - With an electric atmosphere and unique stadium vibe of the world's leading metropolitan indoor horse show setting the stage, Kat Fuqua and her team of horses and ponies once again delivered top performances during October's 61st Annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). While Fuqua's goals were more about logging miles and experience in her divisions, she and her champion ponies and Junior Hunters were also recognized for the fluidity, style, and partnership that have become hallmarks of Fuqua's riding.
Her flaxen pointed chestnut Large Pony, Brighton, once again stole the show by taking Champion Large Pony Hunter with a score of 88 and Best Pony Hunter Stake Round (all sizes of pony). Brighton, who has only been in Kat's barn for less than 6 months, has already racked up a series of winning titles despite his short tenure with her, including Overall Grand Champion Pony Hunter at the 2018 USEF Pony Finals, blue ribbons at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and Grand Champion Pony and Champion Large Pony at the Kentucky Spring Classic. To cap off his performance at WIHS, Brighton and Fuqua also finished second in the Washington International Horse Show Pony Equitation with an 87, just one point behind the winner. "Brighton is a dream to ride, and showed absolutely no nerves at WIHS," said Fuqua. "In the equitation, which is my favorite division, I had originally planned to ride Ladybug [Finesse RF, her medium pony], but switched to Brighton at the last minute. The strides were perfectly set for him as he has a huge step and I could stay in a very smooth canter over the jumps. I was very surprised to be second, and very happy for the winner, Samantha Takacs, who is a friend from Pony Island [ arena at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida]."
Fuqua's flair in the Large Hunter division with Brighton also earned her the Gochman Style of Riding Award at WIHS, presented by the Gochman family. Her two Junior Hunter mounts, both jogging and jumping in the $2,500 Small Junior Hunter Handy 15 & under division, placed 8th and 9th over the much more imposing 3'6" course. Intended as a stepping stone towards Junior Hunter success, Fuqua was thrilled with both Calvaro (aka Elmo) and RS Levitation (Jett). "I was really nervous for my first time ever doing the 3'6" division at my favorite horse show ever," said Fuqua. "Both of my horses took good care of me and all of my scores were in the high 70s across the board. I feel very proud to be showing at such an amazing event at 11-years-old, and hope to be back each year for the next 6 or 7 years. This experience sets the foundation for the future."
Sharing the wealth of her top ponies, Fuqua's friend and accomplished pony and junior rider Caroline Passarelli rode Chic in Time (aka Spicey) to the win in the $1,500 Large Pony Hunter Under Saddle and Fuqua rode the palomino pony to 9th in the Stake class. Spicey and Fuqua had a beautiful round in the Large Conformation Hunter with the exception of one rail rolling out of the cup on the second to last jump. "He was very relaxed in that round for his first time at Indoors," said Fuqua. Fuqua was also proud of her #1 ranked Medium Pony Finesse RF for jogging at the prestigious indoor show.
As of October 8, the USEF ranks Kat Fuqua and her ponies as follows:
#1 Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under, RS Levitation
#1 Large Pony Hunter, Brighton
#1 Medium Pony Hunter, Finesse RF
#4 Large Pony Hunter, Chic In Time
As of October 8, Fuqua is ranked as follows in the USHJA Zone 4 Hunters:
#1 Junior Hunter Small Under 15, RS Levitation
#2 Junior Hunter Small Under 15, Calvaro
#1 Medium Pony Hunter, Finesse RF
#1 Large Pony Hunter Chic In Time
Fuqua narrowly takes second for the Leading Pony Hunter Owner, after finishing ranked #1 in 2017, while her ponies Finesse RF and Brighton are ranked Grand Pony Hunter Champion and Reserve Champion, respectively.
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 and Atlanta, Georgia, 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.
