Lexington, Ky.—Aug. 11
If the myth, “Lightening never strikes in the same place twice” needed further disproof, look no farther than Libbie Gordon this 2017 USEF Pony Finals.
Gordon had already sealed a memorable USEF Pony Finals. After five years of traveling to Lexington, Ky., the 14-year-old secured her first Pony Finals championship earlier this week with Childs Play Hot Topic in the large pony hunters.
With this tricolor already under her belt, Gordon entered the large green pony hunter over fences on Small Wonder sitting in 11th place. After a silky smooth trip aboard the 8-year-old chestnut warmblood (Cyria—Diva H), the three judging panels rewarded the pair with scores in the upper 80s. With a total total score of 1028.05, Gordon and “Cooper” slid right up to first place over fences while simultaneously grabbing Gordon’s second tricolor championship of the week.
Libbie Gordon came back with another USEF Pony Finals victory, this time with Small Wonder. Photo by Laura Lemon.
“I love doing it,” said Gordon. “It’s really exciting when you’ve worked so hard for something for so long and it pays off.”
“Whew! Beautiful. Awesome,” said trainer Bibby Farmer of her week with the young equestrian. “It’s fantastic. Libbie’s lovely to work with. She listens. She follows directions. We get along.”
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But the double tricolor wasn’t the only thing bringing a smile to Gordon’s face. The success of her good friends Augusta Iwasaki and Adam Edgar put the cherry on top. Iwasaki took reserve champion on Butterscotch and Edgar grabbed the yellow ribbon with D’Artagnan. With laughter filling the Walnut Ring, the trio entered the final ribbon ceremony side by side and ended the victory gallop just the same.
“That was the most exciting part about it,” said Gordon. “It’s always exciting when you share something with people you really like a lot.”
Click here for full results and make sure to read the Sept. 4 issue of The Chronicle of the Horse magazine for more about all the Pony Finals winners.
Important Links: COTH’s What You Need To Know | All of COTH’s 2017 USEF Pony Finals coverage | Live streaming | Daily results
Butterscotch and Small Wonder shared Augusta Iwasaki and Libbie Gordon’s enthusiasm for capturing the top placings. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Augusta Iwasaki piloted Butterscotch to reserve champion in the large green ponies. Photo by Laura Lemon.
The happiness! Augusta Iwasaki face said it all after her round with Butterscotch. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Adam Edgar guided D’Artagnan took the yellow ribbon. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Claire Campbell and Eastside took fourth place. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Claire Campbell was thrilled with Eastside after their over fences round in the large green ponies. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Alexa Aureliano and Front Row captured fifth place. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Julia Zug and Eclipse took seventh place. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Kat Fuqua and Chic In Time took eighth place. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Good Reason and Lauren Reid took home ninth place. Photo by Laura Lemon.
Take Note and Savannah Gregson rounded up the top ten in the large green ponies. Photo by Laura Lemon.
