Lexington, KY – August 2, 2026 – The ponies have arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park, quickly taking over the facility ahead of the 2026 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Marshall & Sterling. With two sections at each height in the Small, Medium, and Large Pony Hunter divisions, the competition was fierce during the Kentucky Summer Classic, presented by Rood and Riddle, to see who would end up on top ahead of the annual championship. At the end of the competition on Sunday, Lacey Powers and He’s Epic stood above the rest, claiming one of the Large Pony Hunter Championships and going on to earn the Grand Pony Hunter Championship, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
He’s Epic is a 9-year-old Westphalian gelding, owned by Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC. Powers and He’s Epic just joined forces this week, but they proved they were ready to take on the competition as they won two over fences classes, earning an 88 on Saturday, and they placed second in the handy, as well as winning the under saddle. Their performance was rewarded with the championship tricolor in Section A of the Large Pony Hunters.
“He was so good,” smiled Powers. “He doesn’t really need that much of a ride. You pretty much loop the reins and go around, and then he can find any distance. You can get short, you can get long. He doesn’t really care.”
Lacey Powers and He’s Epic. Photo by Winslow Photography
Trainer Sarah Doyle appreciated Powers showing the pony for Artemis Equestrian, as his normal rider Harper Clark has been competing in Europe earlier this week. “I think we’re really lucky to have Lacey’s help,” she noted. “She’s a consistent star in the pony ring. She is a hard worker, diligent, and she makes every pony love her. So we’re lucky to have her help.”
Kristen Collins added, “Lacey is so cool under pressure. She just walks in the ring and has the best attitude and comes out unfazed. No matter what happens, she goes back in there and makes every adjustment she needs to from one round to the next. She really does a good job learning the ponies and learning the ride and just adapting as she goes.
Next week, He’s Epic will compete in the Large Pony Hunters with Harper Clark during the 2026 USEF Pony Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the team is thrilled to be in the Bluegrass State for another week of competition.
Sunday marked the conclusion of the Kentucky Summer Classic, but the Pony Hunter excitement will continue next week 2026 USEF Pony Finals. Many riders have also gathered to prepare for the 2026 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship and the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, which will all take place one week later during the Bluegrass Classic at the Kentucky Horse Park. For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
