Pony Hunters Among Highlights at ESP Spring III

J.J. Torano and H.G. Mud Puddles. Photo by ESP

At the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), hunters were showcased throughout the week. On Sunday, J.J. Torano of Wellington, FL, guided H.G. Mud Puddles, owned by JET Show Stable, to the championship honors in the Dover Saddlery Small Pony Hunter division. The dynamic duo won the under saddle and also picked up a first, two thirds, and a sixth-place ribbon over fences.

Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, FL, piloted Secret Crush, owned by Jill Shulman, to the reserve championship ribbon, highlighted by a victory in the handy. The pair were also the winners of the $500 Small Pony Hunter Classic, sponsored by Dover Saddlery.

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Olivia Sweetnam and Secret Crush jumped to the reserve championship in the Dover Saddlery Small Pony Hunter division. © ESP

After finishing fourth in Friday’s $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Ellen Toon of South Salem, NY, rode Gabriel, owned by J T Farm, to the tricolor in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” division sponsored by Vita Flex. The pair earned a first, second, and two thirds over fences while also placing sixth in the under saddle. Callie Seaman of Greenwich, CT, and her own Prolific earned reserve championship honors in the division with a pair of wins, a fourth, and a seventh.

Raina Swani of Ponte Verda Beach, FL, and Small Occasion, owned by Shadowfax Equestrian, LLC, took home the overall title in the Large Junior Hunter 3’6″ 15 & Under division sponsored by #1 Education Place. The pair captured the championship with two firsts, a second and fifth over fences, along with a win in the under saddle. Small Occasion also captured Friday’s $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic, with Geoffrey Hesslink in the irons.

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Raina Swani and Small Occasion took home the overall title in the Large Junior Hunter 3’6″ 15 & Under division sponsored by #1 Education Place. © Carly Nasznic Photography

Savonna Adell of Palm Beach, FL, and Rockaway were reserve champions in the division after winning an over fences class, jumping to three second-place finishes and a fifth-place finish in the under saddle. Adell and Rockaway also wrapped up a stellar weekend with a win in the $1,000 Junior Hunter 3’3”/3’6” Classic sponsored by #1 Education Place.

To view the prize list for the 2021 ESP Spring Series, please click HERE.

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