fp Turks and Caicos

Eleven proud young equestrians put their ponies through their paces at Provo Ponies’ 2nd Annual Horse Show on last Saturday, Dec. 11.

The kids had been taking lessons since July and were eager to show parents and friends what they had accomplished in just five months of training.

The event was very well-organized and went off without a hitch. The children demonstrated their skills, from leading their steeds around the ring, to riding to jumping, during a series of events which included games and an obstacle course.

One of the games involved riding their ponies up to a traffic cone, grabbing a tennis ball and taking it across the ring to drop in a bucket. Sounds simple, right? But as the event unfolded it was clear that these kids had taken charge and were communicating with their steeds in order to accomplish the task. Very impressive.

The highlight of the morning was the jumping event. Although there was one spill, all the children did well.

As with last year’s event, in which eight young children participated, the riders and their families spent the day before grooming and “decorating” their mounts for the show. The horses literally gleamed in the bright sunlight, with manes and tales brushed and braided with colored ribbons.

Each pony sported a “tattoo” painted on its haunches. The fanciful markings included stars, hearts and a Christmas tree. It was quite apparent that the animals new exactly how good they looked that morning.

Judging the event were Peggy Perkins of Turks and Caicos Veterinary Associates, a long-time competitor and owner of two Grand Turk ponies; Jane Peterson, (eldest daughter of Dr. Ken Peterson) a champion show jumper and professional equitation judge; and Melinda Volkert of Provo Turtle Divers, an international three-day event competitor, steeplechase jockey and fox hunter (owner of Moonstar).

Top rider of the day was Will Parrish with four firsts. Javed Shearer won five ribbons — two firsts, one second and two thirds. Every competitor won a ribbon during the four-hour show.

Provo Ponies owner Camille Slattery orchestrated the event, with cowgirl-coaches Kelly Whittaker and Serah Volden running each event.  These women have done a tremendous job, and the confidence and poise of their young charges is clear evidence of their abilities.

Provo Ponies is a stable of 25 horses, ranging from Grand Turk ponies to Paso finos, standardbreds and a recently acquired huge Belgian gelding and a Percheron Morgan cross. They take all levels of riders on trails to Long Bay Beach. For more information on rides and lessons call 241-6350.

Competitors and their mounts
Beginner Class
#15: Jasmin Coles, 7, on Sunshine
#16: Bianca Radu, 10, on Skittles
#28: Tegan Wylie, 6, on Cowboy
#32: Will Parrish, 7, on Limbo
#45: Georgia Greatrex, 7, on Rapido
#59: Stefanie Zins, 9, on Apache

Intermediate Class
#01: Ella O’Connell, 10, on Mango
#07: Alina Ayer, 9, on Squeak
#10: Javed Shearer, 8, on Moonstar
#24: Dessa Douglas, 10, on Seuss
#37: Daniella Douglas, 11, on Diamond

Results
Lead & mount (Beginner)
1st: Bianca Radu
2nd: Georgia Greatrex
3rd: Jasmin Coles

Lead & mount (Intermediate)
1st: Javed Shearer
2nd: Ella O’Connell
3rd: Alina Ayer

Beginner Class Equitation
1st: Will Parrish
2nd: Tegan Wylie
3rd: Jasmin Coles

Intermediate Class Equitation
1st: Daniella Douglas
2nd: Dessa Douglas
3rd: Javed Shearer

Musical Cones Game (Intermediate)
1st: Daniella Douglas
2nd: Javed Shearer
3rd: Alina Ayer

Ball in the Bucket (Beginner)
1st: Will Parrish
2nd: Stefanie Zins
3rd: Jasmin Coles

Obstacle Course (Intermediate)
1st: Javed Shearer
2nd: Daniella Douglas
3rd: Alina Ayer

Obstacle Course (Beginner)
1st: Will Parrish
2nd: Stefanie Zins
3rd: Georgia Greatrex

Poles/Jumps Course (Beginner)
1st: Stephanie Zins
2nd: Georgia Greatrex
3rd: Bianca Radu

Poles/Jumps Course (Intermediate)
1st: Will Parrish
2nd: Dessa Douglas (on Seuss, then Apache)
3rd: Javed Shearer