Edited Press Release
In the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby on Friday afternoon, it was pony superstar Lilly Ward of Brewster, NY, who took home top call aboard Woodlands Corduroy, owned by her father and six-time U.S. Olympian Mclain Ward. With a score of 175, Lilly convincingly took the top spot and embarked on what she hopes to be a highly successful Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
“We call him Roy in the barn,” Lilly said of the 17-year-old Welsh Pony cross gelding. “I’ve had him since the summer and he’s so sweet and loving. He’s fun to ride, super easy to turn, and he’s just the best.”
Their turning and smooth execution, with direction at the in-gate from trainer Jimmy Torano, was enough to get them the win over course designer Thomas Carlson’s single-round course. The simplicity of the course and ease of inside turns were what Lilly said really made the difference.
Torano’s advice to her on the way into the show ring was, “Just stay cool. There was only one line so it was pretty easy. It was very, very fun and there were a lot of places to turn inside and have fun.”
Nine-year-old Lilly hopes to not only have fun the rest of this season as she cruises into the Medium Pony Hunter division, but to take home some big accolades, building off her success from past years.
“Last year I was circuit champion [in the Small Ponies] and this year I really want to be circuit champion on [Roy] because this is my first year doing the Medium [Ponies] at WEF,” she said of her goals, another of which is to take the win in the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Pony Hunter Challenge during WEF 6, known historically as “Hunter Week.”
Lilly will continue to eye the Pony Hunter Derby events as the season continues, quickly becoming the one to watch as she adds this victory to her resume.
In the WIHS Pony Equitation that took place later in the afternoon, it was Luca Endzweig of Palm Beach, FL, who rode to the win with a score of 86 aboard Super Sport, owned by Twin Island, LLC.
For complete results from the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunt & Go Derby, click HERE. Full results from WEF 1 are available HERE.
