Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 4, 2019 – Jumper action closed out the final day of the Kentucky Summer Classic with the presentation of the Pony Jumper championship in the Walnut Ring. Madison Kondracki dominated all three classes of the division on her pony, Magic Beans, to win the tricolor ribbon, while Hannah Haines guided her mount A Lotta Moxie to the reserve championship.
On Sunday, ponies jumped a course designed by Florencio Hernandez that consisted of 11 obstacles and 13 jumping efforts, including two double combinations. An oxer set perpendicular across the center of the arena had horses and ponies spooked throughout the day, but the jump proved to be no problem for Kondracki and Magic Beans. The pair jumped a fast and clear first round to move onto the jump-off. Being the only clear round in the class, Kondracki was given the option to not have to jump-off but being a student of legendary grand prix rider, Aaron Vale, the duo elected to practice their speed skills.
Magic Beans, a 9-year-old grey gelding, stands at just 13.1 hands, but you would not know it by his scope and speed. Kondracki and Magic Beans have won classes in the Low Children’s Jumpers and the 1.0m jumpers at the Equus Events Tryon Spring competition this year and also won a class in the High Child/Adult Jumpers during the Ocala Holiday Classic last December. The speedy duo plan to compete in the Pony Jumper division at Pony Finals next week.
That concludes the jumper rings at the Kentucky Summer Classic of 2019. Stayed tuned for coverage of the upcoming USEF Pony Finals presented by Collecting Gates Farm, as well as the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Madison Kondracki – Pony Jumper champion
On Magic Beans:
“She’s a 9-year-old pony. She’s a great jumper. She’s a real nice ride for me and she’s really fast and careful. She’s very sweet and super level-headed. We will be competing next week at Pony Finals.”
On the course:
“I thought the course was good, but kinda tricky in some parts of it today.”
Aaron Vale — Madison Kondracki’s trainer
On Madison’s performance:
“I thought she was super today! She followed directions. One jump we didn’t sit up quite good enough at, so hopefully she will think about that so it doesn’t bite us in the rear at Pony Finals next week. She had a super prep show for it here. She won all three classes and hopefully she can keep up that momentum for the championship.”
On bringing his clients to show at the Kentucky Horse Shows:
“It’s such a great show and all my clients love it. The facility is unmatched in North America and it’s an awesome place to show, plus wonderful places to go eat at night. We love it here!”