Ward has been riding Squiggles for three years. “He’s a really special ride,” she said of the 15-year-old Welsh Pony gelding by Cadlan Valley Imperial owned by McLain Ward. “It’s such a great opportunity to get to ride him. He’s taught me absolutely everything, like how to ride different varieties of ponies. He definitely has a bit of an attitude, but he’s amazing, and I love him so much. He’s definitely good to snuggle with.”
While the first day of competition didn’t go as planned, Ward’s mom and trainer, Lauren Ward, kept their confidence high.
“Yesterday was definitely a bit difficult, so I came in today with high expectations to do well,” explained Ward. “My mom told me that we still have a shot at it. She always tells me, ‘You got this.’ We worked on keeping him straight and focused.
“It’s so special to win here because the jumpers go here too,” commented Ward. “It’s so fun to watch my dad compete at night. It’s definitely really hard to win at WIHS. There are lots of good ponies here.”
Valentijn and Marlowe Martin won their over fences class and added three fourth place ribbons to win the Medium Pony Hunter championship. Martin and the 10-year-old Welsh Pony gelding owned by Charlotte Rossetter were presented with the Shenandoah Sundowner Perpetual Trophy. Annie Cooper and Hopscotch, owned by Joe Currais, were reserve champions. With a score of 91, Cooper and Hopscotch won the Best Pony Hunter Stake Round.
Sneak Preview and Kenzie Smith, a 10-year-old German Riding Pony gelding owned by Rivers Edge, received two seconds, third, and fourth to win the Large Pony Hunter championship and the Pegasus Stable Perpetual Trophy. Smith also rode the reserve champion, Orchard Zweed, for Rivers Edge.
Marlowe Martin won the Best Child Rider on a Pony Award and was presented with the Captain V.S. Littauer Perpetual Trophy.
