Lexington, Ky.—Aug. 9

Two weeks ago, So Dashing’s owners weren’t sure that the pony was ready to show at USEF Pony Finals.

“The owners [the Zandri family of Sprucedale Inc.] were on the fence now that you can do the green year again,” trainer Patricia Griffith said. “[They said,] ‘Hey, should we wait and do it next year?’ And I said, ‘I really feel like if all the stars align he could win.’ ”

Griffith’s prediction proved right, and So Dashing and rider Emi Richard jumped to the top of the large green pony hunter over fences class to win the division and grand green pony hunter honors. Blue Tide and Faith Schuttemeyer finished as reserve in the large green division and as the reserve grand green pony.

While Richard picked up a tricolor last year, this marked her biggest win aboard ponies yet. Richard remarked that she often is in the ribbons or second, but the biggest championships have eluded her.

“We did have a few tears when she got the high scores, because I think she was finally like, ‘Could this happen?’ ” said Griffith. “It’s so hard to get that close and then try to get there again and duplicate it. … It’s very hard for it all to come together at [championships].”

Richard, 14, started riding So Dashing, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood (FS Champion De Luxe—Charming Doll) over the winter.

“He is really nice,” said Richard, Middlefield, Connecticut. “He’s definitely come a long way since I first started riding him, so it’s really nice to see him progress and come to this point.

“He was just green,” she continued. “He didn’t do anything bad, he would just kind of look around the ring a lot and he just wasn’t sure how to do his job yet, but now he’s figured it out.”

Griffith said “Dash” has all the qualities of a star pony.

“He’s a stunning mover, so right away your eyes are drawn to him,” she said. “He has a beautiful trot and canter, so he has a lovely way of going. He’s put in a lot of 90 rounds, but just working on that consistency and having him dialed in for when we wanted it. So we were really trying here to peak at the right moment.”

It’s been a family affair getting Dash to the grand title at Pony Finals. At home Richard trains with her mother, Jaime Richard, and she meets up with Griffith at shows. Jaime even braided Dash’s tail for Pony Finals.

“She definitely helps me a lot,” Emi said of her mother. “I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am now without her, and I’m super grateful for her help.”

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Bibby Farmer Hill felt a sense of déjà vu when her student Susannah Morrell rode Heartfirst to the top of the medium green pony hunter division over Dakota Zehler and Lost Boy. She trained and owned the pony’s dam, Sassafras Creek, who won a pair of tricolors at Pony Finals during her storied career in the medium pony division, claiming the regular medium division tricolor in 2013 with Daisy Farish, and the reserve medium green pony hunter title in 2007 with Taylor Ann Adams.

Heartfirst earned the barn name “M.P.” or “Ms. Perfect” thanks to her attitude.

“She’s always willing to do whatever you ask her to do,” said Morrell of the 7-year-old Welsh cross by Clovercroft Polarized. “She always wants to help, and she always looks good doing it.”

While Morrell trains with Hill, she also rides for her mother Shannon Morrell of English Oaks. Susannah, 17, started riding M.P. a little over a year ago. Professional Katie Addington rode M.P. before Susannah and still fills in when Susannah isn’t around, like last week when the rising senior had school obligations.

“[M.P.’s] always been comfortable in the ring and confident, you just had to teach her where to be,” said Susannah, Lakeland, Florida.

“Katie always has her set up really well for me, so that’s helpful,” she added.

Susannah has been coming to Pony Finals for five or six years—she’s lost count—and she’s won a tricolor here before. But the magic of the competition isn’t lost on her: Her favorite part of the week is still getting to go in the Rolex Stadium to jump.

Find results here.

You can see all the Chronicle’s coverage from USEF Pony Finals here, and check out the Sept. 23 issue of the magazine as well. Be sure you’re following the Chronicle on Instagram and Facebook @Chronofhorse.