BY PIPER KLEMM Ph.D.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
There is no bigger stage in the pony world than Pony Finals at Kentucky Horse Park in August, and every single ribbon is hard fought by fierce competition that is as accurate as the pool is deep. So when nine-year-old Zoie Sherard piloted Summerhouse Farm’s Elvenstar Ping Pong to the top of the Large Pony Hunter Over Fences class, the young underdog delivered a breakthrough performance worthy of the top spot. With the pair returning midway through the order of 148 ponies after the first day of competition, holding onto the lead would be no small feat.
At Pony Finals winners often come from the top of the order, making their position in the middle of the pack all the more significant. As one of the younger riders, Sherard was competing against riders up to USEF-age 17, but 18 in actuality and on their way to college. It was only Zoie’s third time ever in the Large Pony Hunter division. Elvenstar Ping Pong stands at a stout 14.0 h in a division that has so much perceived bias towards “top of the line” or “extra-large” large pony hunters. On paper, they may not have been the obvious choice, but on that day, they proved they belonged on top.
Zoie trains at Oceancrest Farm in Encinitas, California, with her mom Alysia Lynch-Sherard, as well as Alicia Saxton and Rebecca Beall.
As Pony Finals approached, longtime friend Gabriela Pattinson of Elvenstar Farm had an idea: knowing Zoie for many years she thought Zoie and Ping-Pong could make a great match and asked if Zoie would like to have the opportunity to show him at Pony Finals.
Elvenstar Ping Pong (Principal Boy x Charisma) was bred in Germany by Achim Siegert and foaled in 2011. A veteran of the Large Pony Hunters, the chestnut gelding brought years of experience to the partnership. This year marked his fourth trip to USEF Pony Finals, following a long career with riders across the country in the jumpers, hunters, and pony equitation medals.
The pair’s first show together came during the first week of July, which was also Zoie’s first time competing in the Large Pony Hunters. “Zoie had only ridden Ping Pong one time, so we had planned to do the Children’s Ponies, but of course it didn’t fill, so we had to make a choice. I knew the Large Pony jumps were going to look like mountains compared to the Medium Pony jumps Zoie was used to, so I was a little hesitant but I also believed in Zoie. At moments like this it can be hard to be mom and trainer so I took a step back and let Pattinson and the Elvenstar team to jump in.
They trusted Ping Pong and felt like Zoie was ready.” The pair walked into the ring for their first time together and won. The chemistry between Zoie and Ping-Pong was hard to ignore. “He has given her so much confidence in such a short period of time and what an amazing opportunity to be able to work with the Elvenstar team, it’s been incredible and heart warming to watch” said Lynch-Sherard.
While the Large Pony Hunters had been set at 2’9” at Pacific Ridge and the Oaks, USEF Pony Finals was Sherard’s first outing at a full 3’. Taking the new challenge in stride, Zoie and Ping Pong picked up a big canter and never changed a beat all the way around the course. Zoie rode every step with confidence and purpose, and Ping Pong was right there with her. Ping Pong snapped his knees and jumped impressively at each effort, earning the pair scores of 86.87, 87.15, and 86.78 from the three panels of six judges for a 260.80 total.
It was a significant step up for Zoie, but she had done the work and trusted her foundation. “I’ve always tried to teach Zoie to focus on the work and the things she can control,” said Lynch-Sherard. “If you prepare the right way, trust what you’ve learned and give your best effort, you can walk out of the ring proud regardless of the result.” Walking down the chute of the Rolex area with Pattinson, Cruger and her mom by her side, she felt prepared, confident and ready to make the most of the opportunity in front of her. She stepped into the arena with a clear mind and then let the magic happen.
“I remember so vividly watching her trot into the ring and reach down to give Ping-Pong a rub on his neck before asking him to canter, almost as if she were saying, ‘Come on, buddy, we’ve got this.’ Watching the two of them gallop around that amazing venue was like poetry in motion. When they landed from the last jump, I just burst into tears. It was an outpouring of emotion—I was so grateful to everyone who gave my sweet girl this incredible opportunity, and so proud of her for taking that opportunity and delivering a full-on mic-drop moment.”
Lynch-Sherard often refers to a quote, “Hard work puts you where the good luck can find you.” On that day, it felt especially fitting. “It was amazing to see it all pay off and result in such an incredible and monumental win!”
Lynch-Sherard is quick to recognize the team behind the partnership. Elvenstar Ping Pong’s owner, Abby Stellar of Summerhouse Farms, and Jim Hagman of Elvenstar have been incredible supporters of Zoie. Together with Pattinson, they gave Zoie a chance that her and Ping Pong would prove to be something special. A memorable partnership, a shared vision, and a blue ribbon headed home to California made August 2026 a month the entire team will never forget.
