Gypsy With a Twist Steals the Show at USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships - Central

Tyler, Texas—Sept. 19, 2024—Ponies took center stage in Tyler, Texas, for the USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships - Central on Friday, September 13, with $19,000 in prize money offered. Claiming the Overall Grand Champion honors was Gypsy With A Twist, a 2018 Welsh cross filly, owned and ridden by Lillian Sullivan.  

"Winning the Young Hunter Pony Championship was extremely fun and I feel like I’m on top of the world," exclaimed Sullivan. "When I saw how amazing this show was last year, I just knew that I wanted to attend in 2024. When I had the opportunity to buy my pony in December, I was very excited to get started with her training."

Gypsy With a Twist captivated the attention of esteemed judges Jessie Lang and Danny Robertshaw by dominating the 6- and 7-Year-Olds 2’3”/2'6" championship division. The impressive performance secured the overall position with Sullivan, of New Braunfels, Texas, in the irons. Under the expert guidance of Fort Worth, Texas-based trainer Michelle Houpt, Sullivan was further recognized with the prestigious Leading Junior Owner/Rider award, underscoring her remarkable achievements in the arena.

At only 11 years old, Sullivan had to put her nerves behind her before each round. Her strategy paid off leading her to victory. 

"I had to keep telling myself to just relax and let my pony simply move out so she could be calm and just do what she does best," said Sullivan. "The model class is my favorite part because it is a lot of fun to show my pony looking all fancy, but I was nervous that she wasn’t set up perfectly. My mom said before my first class, 'Just have fun and enjoy the moment because you have already done the hard work preparing all year.”

"This award meant the most to me and was a goal I set for myself in 2024," continued Sullivan. "Layla is the second pony that I have trained alongside Michelle Houpt at Confederate Park Farm. It’s so special knowing that I bought this pony with my own money from leasing my first show pony and then did all the riding of Layla to win this amazing title. I really love training young ponies and look forward to getting more experience."

The pair have only been together since December of 2023, and they have already become best of friends. The mare's unique personality earned herself the name of "Gypsy With a Twist."

"My pony's barn name is Layla and she is incredibly athletic with an amazing jump," commented Sullivan. "Layla quickly became my very best friend and learned to trust me as her favorite person. I think we get along so well because we both like sweets and can be sassy at times. I named her Gypsy with a Twist because all my ponies names start with Gypsy and her sassiness earned the 'With a Twist' part."

"This accomplishment shows that when kids make a goal and put in the time, anything is possible," said trainer Houpt. "Lillian and her pony made huge progress this summer and this victory shows what can be accomplished with that kind of dedication."

The USHJA congratulates the following division champions at the 2024 event:

5-Year-Old and Under Under Saddle

• Champion – Diamond K Flash of Gold (Elite Freckle My Fancy x Diamond K Fools Gold) a 2020 Welsh pony gelding, owned and bred by Kathleen Voekel, ridden by Ethan Reece, and trained by Candice Reece  

4- and 5-Year-Olds 2'

• Champion – Mama’s Boy (Mynach Mystical x Tinkerbelle) a 2019 Welsh cross gelding owned by Winsome LLC, ridden by Maci Lazier, trained by Jennifer Wheeler-Winborne 
• Reserve Champion – BR Cookie Crunch (Pleasant Hill Royal Gunner x Promise to Keep) a 2019 half-Welsh gelding, owned and trained by Bailey Robinson, ridden by Sydney Lofland, and bred by Wendy Hartman   

6- and 7-Year-Olds 2’

• Champion – JPH Custom Made (Gayfields The Thief x GF Silver Dawn) a 2018 Welsh pony gelding, owned by Winsome LLC, ridden by Macie Lazier, and trained by Jennifer Wheeler-Winborne 
• Reserve Champion – Farnley Forever & Always (Farnley Triton x Farnley Paper Moon) a 2017 Welsh pony gelding, owned and ridden by Tessa Prusak, trained by Julia Milligan, and bred by Farnley Farm – Hetty Abeles  

6- and 7-Year-Olds 2’3”/2'6"

• Champion – Gypsy With A Twist (Unknown x Unknown) a 2018 Welsh cross filly, owned and ridden by Lillian Sullivan, and trained by Michelle Houpt  
• Reserve Champion – Pip Pip Hooray (Unknown x Unknown) a 2017 Welsh cross gelding, owned and trained by Lauren Stone, and ridden by Hadlei Stone  

Adults on Ponies 7-Year-Old and Under, Presented by Missy Jo Hollingsworth and Saddle Lake Equestrian Center 

• Champion – JPH Custom Made and Macie Lazier
• Reserve Champion –  Mama’s Boy and Macie Lazier

A number of special awards were also presented, including:

• Leading Owner – Winsome, LLC 
• Leading Trainer – Bailey Robinson 
• Leading Breeder – Bailey Robinson
• Style Award – Maci Lazier  
• Best Child Rider – Sydney Lofland 
• Leading Junior Owner/Rider – Lillian Sullivan 

"The Young Hunter Pony Championships was a very special experience," commented Houpt. "They made it feel like a mini Pony Finals from dressing up the arena to the big awards presentation. It’s a great way to get these young ponies just getting started in their career exposure. With the many different height options as well as the Adults on Ponies section, there is something to offer for every young pony."

The USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships offer two championships on the East Coast and centrally with the aim to develop the Hunter Breeding sport and create opportunities for current and new owners, breeders, and handlers to showcase talented young Hunter pony prospects. The Championships feature competition for ponies aged 7 and under, with most sections comprised of a model, under saddle, and over fences classes. Classes are open to Juniors, excluding the popular Adults on Ponies division open to Amateurs and Professionals.

"My very favorite part of the championship was having my entire barn family there to support and cheer for me," reflected Sullivan. "My trainer Michelle was so happy that she kept crying tears of joy. I’m so very proud to be her 'mini-me' and she is my idol. I also really enjoyed getting to make new friendships with the other competitors and getting to see them at future events."

The USHJA extends a special thanks to the Texas Rose Horse Park and to Missy Jo Hollingsworth and Saddle Lake Equestrian Center for presenting the Adults on Pony division. The USHJA also thanks Official Sponsors CWD, Nutrena, and Parlanti; award sponsor Floral Wreaths by Susan Garrett; supporting sponsors Essex Classics and Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks; and section supporters Farnley Farm, GC Ponies, Kickapoo Ponies, Virginia Pony Breeders Association, Foxlore Farm – Alicia Kline, and Hunter Haven – Oliver & Joan Brown. 

For more information about the USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships, visit ushja.org/YHPC.

Photos: Jerry Mohme Photography