Second in our series, these interviews dive into the inspiring stories of these rising Stoney Field stars in the Small Pony Division. Riders who, despite their young age, have already achieved remarkable success in the competitive arena. Join us as we sat down with these talented athletes to uncover the secrets behind their success.
Meet: Elle Del Moral
Photo – Madeline Ball
Pony’s show name and barn name:
Northwind Liam and barn name is Liam.
What division have you qualified for the Royal Winter Fair?
Small Pony Division.
Did you have a goal for your riding at the start of the 2024 show season and do you feel you’ve reached that goal?
My goal was to get to the Royal and I am so happy that I reached my goal.
What has been your most memorable show of this year?
2024 Major League Opener. Liam and I had a huge fall, and I ended up with a broken arm and needing stitches. I was so happy when I found out that even with the fall, Liam was fine, and he was able to finish as Reserve Champion.
Will you be showing the same pony next year?
Yes, and hopefully a new pony in the Medium Pony division.
How often do you train your pony and do you get the chance to help take care of your pony by grooming and brushing it, or mucking its stall sometimes?
I train with Liam three to four times a week (when I don’t have a broken arm). I really enjoy caring for my pony. He loves being groomed and is always a good boy by lifting his feet for me. When Liam comes home to our farm in the summer, I am responsible for all the grooming, feeding and mucking. I like caring for him just as much as I like riding him.
Meet: Penelope Morassutti
Photo – Shawn McMillen
Pony’s show name and barn name:
I Candy and barn name is Candy.
What division have you qualified for the Royal Winter Fair?
Small Pony Division.
How long have you been riding your pony?
I have been riding Candy for two years.
How long have you been with the Stoney Fields team?
I’ve been with the Stoney Fields team for four years.
Did you have a goal for your riding at the start of the 2024 show season and do you feel you’ve reached that goal?
My goal was to get better at doing lead changes.
What has been your most memorable show of this year?
US Pony Finals.
Meet: Alexa Wang
Photo – Shawn McMillen
Pony’s show name and barn name:
Howie Do It with barn name Howie.
What division did you qualified for the Royal Winter Fair?
Small Pony Hunter.
Did you have a goal for your riding at the start of the 2024 show season and do you feel you’ve reached that goal?
Being more confident to show in the hunter ring and making a better team with Howie.
Still have potential space to improve myself.
What has been your most memorable show of this year?
The Horse Show at Ocala, Florida, where I won my first ever Championship.
Will you be showing the same pony next year?
YES!
Meet: Summer Choivitti
Photo – Shawn McMillen
Pony’s show name and barn name:
Jennifer Grey (Jenni) and Crown Ridge Quackalackin (Ducky).
What division have you qualified for the Royal Winter Fair?
The Small Pony Division.
How long have you been with the Stoney Fields team?
I have been with Stoney Fields for 3 years.
Did you have a goal for your riding at the start of the 2024 show season and do you feel you’ve reached that goal?
At the start of the 2024 show season, my goal was to go to Pony Finals, qualify for the Royal Winter Fair, and to improve my equitation skills and work on our pace to the jumps. There is always more to learn, and we are improving with every ride. I’m really proud that I reached my other goals as I went to Pony Finals and qualified for the Royal. I am so happy to be able to ride Jenni and I can’t wait to compete with her at the Royal Winter Fair.
What has been your most memorable show of this year?
Pony Finals 2024.
Will you be showing the same pony next year?
No, sadly I won’t be showing the same pony next year. I will be moving on to another pony. I will always be grateful for my time with Jenni, and I’m going to miss her so much!