PrintAt the tender age of 9, Jordan Coyle is already a USEF Pony Finals veteran. Coyle was one of the youngest competitors at the 2007 competition, when her show age was 5.
Starting early has always been the Coyle family’s operating strategy, though.
“We started her riding when she was 2 years old, and we could finally get out the door without packing the house, without the whole car seat and kit and caboodle,” said her mother, Jana Coyle. “We thought we could do it as something fun and exciting. Seven years later, this is basically a full-time job for us!”
Jana said she believes that riding ponies allows her children to learn early on about different life lessons.
“I like the fact that my kids are back to nature and learning respect and re-sponsibility when they’re with the horses,” she said. “Pony Finals, especially, is just a great gathering of people who love their ponies.”
Jana and her husband, Mike Coyle, now own multiple horses and ponies, both in partnership with trainer Debbie DiVecchia and on their own. The Coyles began working with DiVecchia at her Windswept Farm in Argyle, Texas, in 2005, when their previous trainer relocated out of state.
“They came to me with three or four horses,” DiVecchia said. “Jordan was tiny and not really riding. Now she’s the focus of the whole Coyle team.”
The family also relocated from Dallas to Argyle so that Jordan and her 10-year-old brother, Preston, could have more time to ride. Preston hopes to compete in the pony jumpers later this year.
“We were driving an hour each way, five days a week,” said Jana. “Now we’re 12 minutes from the barn.”
Familial support such as this has ulti-mately led to Jordan’s past successes in the pony ring. Dedicated homeschooling also allows Jordan and Preston more saddle time and a greater opportunity to travel to shows.
Jordan, who had her first outing at Pony Finals three years ago aboard the small pony Heavenly Zechariah, considers Pony Finals one of her favorite shows.
“I’ve had some pretty good times here; I love it so much,” she said. “I love seeing all of the beautiful ponies, and it’s such a beautiful area.”
From a trainer’s point of view, DiVec-chia said Pony Finals is an important show because for many young riders it’s their first experience at a national championship competition and provides the extra challenge in balance with fun act-ivities tailored to their age groups.
“It really feels like a big deal to the kids,” she said, “especially when it’s their first time. They really feel like they’re somewhere important. It’s exciting for them.”
When she’s not showing, Jordan also enjoys exploring the Kentucky Horse Park. She often visits the International Museum of the Horse and rides her bike around the showgrounds. She also spends time with her friends at the Horse Park campgrounds and pool where she and her family stay during the shows.
This year, Jordan will have two ponies at Pony Finals—her small Pash-mina and a small green named Grand Jête. She’ll only be showing Pashmina, however.
“We feel like she has a good shot with ‘Pashy,’ so she’s dedicating all her efforts to her,” said Jana.
Coyle showed Pashmina at last year’s Pony Finals but suffered an unfortunate tumble at the last fence.
“I almost had a perfect round!” said Jordan. “This year, I want to work even harder so I can be better for next year. I’m ready for anything that comes my way.”
DiVecchia described Jordan as hav-ing a natural ability and love for her ponies.
