Mindy Coretz

A horseless Courtney Coulter spent more than a year searching for the perfect project, but her patience paid off when she stumbled upon Onslow, the pasture pony.

Coulter, 22, of Tulsa, Okla., rides at McKenzie Stables with Laureen McKenzie. In the interim, Coulter had been riding Elizabeth Nellis’ horse, Willy Behave in the adult amateur, 18-35, division at occasional “A” and “AA-rated” shows in, and close to Tulsa.

While some lucky riders migrate South for the winter, not everyone has that option. Many competitors choose to brave the frigid temperatures at the St. Louis Winter Series at the National Equestrian Center in Lake St. Louis, Mo. This premier venue attracts top caliber horses and ponies from near and far.

But what is it about this quaint Midwest facility that draws the attention of such an extensive group of exhibitors?