For Immediate Release

Mill Spring, NC – June 30, 2017 – Emma Jolly of Keswick, VA, and Mischief Managed rode to victory in the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, the highlight of the first annual USHJA Foundation Pony Spectacular at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Jolly and Mischief Managed secured a two round score of 335 to capture the win. Leigh Ashby of Lincolnton, NC, and Onyxford’s Blue Magic finished in second place with a two round score of 326, while Erica Felder of Lenoir, NC, and Elegance secured third place with a final score of 320.

Jolly and Mischief Managed, owned by Rhiana Hughes, performed brilliantly together throughout the two rounds, earning a 167 in the first round, before taking the win with a 168 in the handy.

“This was such a fun experience. I think it really got the ponies and the riders ready for the finals later this summer. The big ring let you get them out in front of you, but then bring them back in,” said Jolly. “It was a great atmosphere to relax and just have a blast.”

Speaking to both courses, in which Jolly collected an impressive two round score from the judges, she commented that Mischief Managed handled each of the questions presented with a sense of ease and consistency.

“I thought the first course was really nice and there was a difficult broken line, but I think it made the ponies think a bit more in the ring,” she added. “The first jump in the handy round always rides a bit interesting, but I thought my pony handled it really well and jumped up nicely. Overall, I thought it was a very fun course.”

Jolly, who is fifteen-years-old and trains with Brooke Kemper of Culpepper, VA, noted that their barn tailored their entire show schedule around coming to TIEC to compete this week, specifically to participate in the USHJA Foundation Pony Spectacular. Jolly commented, “We came to Tryon this week for the derby. All of the other horses joined as well, but that is what really brought us here.”

“I’ll be riding Mischief Managed, who is owned by Rhiana Hughes, and I can’t thank her enough for allowing me to ride him and then I’ll also be riding a Medium Green Pony Hunter named Sunset Sparkle too,” explained Jolly, when speaking about her plans to attend USEF Pony Finals presented by Collecting Gaits Farm, which will be hosted in Lexington, KY, later this summer.

“I just wanted to have a fun time in Lexington with Mischief Managed because he knows what he’s doing. With my Medium Green pony, I want to give her a positive experience and let her get used to the big atmosphere,” concluded Jolly.

Andrew Bourns (IRL) and Ninparo took a well-earned victory in the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Classic CSI 2* at TIEC, kicking-off competition in the George H. Morris Arena for the day. The duo added four faults to their jump-off time of 46.765 seconds for the win ahead of Deborah Stephens (USA) and Everest, who also added four faults to their jump-off time of 53.317 seconds. Michael Morrissey (USA) and La Lopez 3 rounded out the top three, adding eighteen faults and finishing with a time of 63.093 seconds around the short course.

Twenty-three entries opened the day of competition in George H. Morris Arena, while only the top three finishers advanced to the jump-off round. Both tracks, designed by Ken Krome (USA), tested riders against the clock as seven combinations finished with one or two time faults on the morning.

Ninparo, a 2008 Oldenburg Springpferd gelding (Nintender x Caspar) owned by Richard Bourns, is stepping into the international spotlight with Bourns piloting from the irons and the duo looked sharp around today’s tough track.

Click here to view final results for the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby.

Click here to view final results for the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Classic CSI 2*.

Competition at TIEC will continue tomorrow with several pony hunter classes showcased in the George H. Morris Arena ahead of the $86,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 2*. Activities and entertainment will begin at 6:00 p.m. while competition will start at 8:00 p.m. For more information on TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

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