On Saturday, Augusta Iwasaki of Calabasas, CA, and Small Affair claimed their third championship in a row in the Engel & Völkers Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division at WEF. In the past three weeks, the pair has won ten over fences classes. This week, they took the blue ribbon in three over fences classes, placed second in another, and finished fifth under saddle. Small Affair, owned by Lyn Pederson, is a coming 14-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Elf d’Or. Iwasaki started riding him almost exactly a year ago and has shown him all over the country. “He’s kind of grumpy,” said Iwasaki of her accomplished hunter mount. “He likes to keep to himself, and he thinks he’s the best.” Iwasaki, who is just 12 years old, splits her time between riding in the pony divisions, Junior Hunters, and equitation classes. She is looking forward to hopefully showing in the USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular during week six. When asked which division she enjoys showing in the most, Iwasaki responded, “The Junior Hunters, for sure.” Emma Wujek of Grosse Point Farms, MI, took reserve honors aboard Puppet, owned by John and Stephanie Ingram LLC. The pair earned second place under saddle, and finished second, fourth, fourth, and eighth over fences. Puppet is a 2006 gelding by Palladium Ex Poladii.
