It was tough competition at “Pony Island” on Sunday morning as some of WEF’s youngest riders duked it out for the Small Pony Hunter championship presented by Visse Wedell. Emma Pell, who rides at Skyland Farm in Virginia, guided Virginia Bonnie’s Wink And Smile to the top of the class. The pair earned two blue ribbons over fences on Saturday and placed third and eighth over jumps on Sunday. Reilly Gogul piloted Sweet Oak Farm’s Mr. Magoo to the reserve honors, winning the handy round as well as second and sixth over fences and sixth in the under saddle. Pell has only been riding the 14-year-old Welsh Pony gelding for three weeks, but it has proven to be a successful match. During WEF 2 the pair earned two second-place ribbons over fences in the Small Pony Hunter division. “He’s really fun,” Pell remarked about her mount. “He’s a really good pony.” “He is really easy, and he helps me a lot,” Pell commented about her catch ride on Wink And Smile, who she will continue showing until he is sold. Pell also competed in the division with her own mare Forget Me Not, who she earned consistent ribbons with throughout the weekend, including a fourth place finish over fences on Sunday. “It was really good competition,” Pell commented about the field of 18 she competed against. “I’m glad I was champion because I think he deserved it.”
