On Friday morning, the pony hunters took over the Stadium Derby field for the $5,000 “Jump For The Children” Large Pony Hunter Classic. Instead of the classic sand ring, the ponies and riders competed out on the grass field over a derby style course built by designer Danny Moore. Out of a field of 13, Emma Kurtz piloted Dr. Betsee Parker’s pony, All My Love, to the blue ribbon. Kurtz had a dominating performance earning a score of 88 in the first round paired with an 87 in the second round for a grand total of 175. Taylor St.Jacques took home second and third place honors. Madeline Scully’s pony, Spot On, finished in second place with a total score of 167. Love and Logic, St.Jacques’ second mount, took home the third place prize after earning scores of 80 and 84. Kurtz and Dreamland, an entry of Linda Evans, rounded out the top four. Coming into today Kurtz was the defending champion having won the Large Pony Hunter Classic on the field last year with Dreamland. All My Love stepped up to the plate and brought home the win for Kurtz this year. “I was nervous going into today,” Kurtz stated. “I can’t explain it, but I was a little up going into the ring.” Kurtz first rode All My Love two years ago in the Green Large Pony Hunters. After separating for a year, Kurtz started riding All My Love again a few weeks ago. Despite little practice time, Kurtz was ready for today. “I’ve shown All My Love on the grass before so that was a big confidence boost going into today,” Kurtz explained.
