Kierstin Antoniadis and Pokerface Are All In to Win Inaugural USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship-East

Lexington, Ky.—August 5, 2019—Riding Winter Tietjen’s Pokerface, Kierstin Antoniadis earned the top scores in the Classic Hunter Round and Handy Hunter Round to win the inaugural USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship-East, during the Kentucky Summer Classic, August 4, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

“It feels pretty awesome because I’ve known this pony for over a year now, and I feel like we’ve kind of figured each other out between then,” said Antoniadis after her big win. “He’s a really special pony to me so it was really cool winning all of this today.”

Earning an 87 and an 88 in the Classic Hunter Round, Antoniadis took the lead on the Large 11-year-old Dutch Riding Pony, trained by Shannon Cunneff. The now working student for Andre Dignelli at Heritage Farm pulled from her equitation experience for the Handy Hunter Round. 

“I definitely tried to shave off as much space as I could while still making it look smooth,” said Antoniadis. “I think the judges—which I’ve learned a lot from the equitation is when you come off a trot jump or a sharp turn and then you’re going to a long single jump—they really want to see a change in pace and some type of ambition and I think that really helped me with him.”

Going all in for the Handy Round, Antoniadis’ boldness paid off earning her scores of 85 and 90, securing her spot as the inaugural Champion, as well as the Overall High Score Award winner for the Large section. As the overall Champion, Antoniadis also won a tack trunk from Sea Horse Tack Trunks, a belt from Boy O Boy Bridleworks, a show shirt from Essex Classics, and a gorgeous custom floral blanket from Champion Floral Blankets by Susan Garrett.

Vivian Golden’s consistency on Hidden Springs Waltz, a Medium 12-year-old Welsh Pony Cross gelding, owned by Renaud Farm LLC, earned her the Reserve Champion title with an average score of 84.87 in the Classic Round and an 84 in the Handy Round. As the Reserve Champion, Golden received a tack trunk from Sea Horse Tack Trunks, and a belt from Boy O Boy Bridleworks. Golden also earned the High Score Award for the Medium section and finished in 12th place aboard her own Goldhills As You Like It.  

In seventh place after the Classic Hunter Round, Isabella David laid down a Handy trip that earned her an 82.75 and an 86, securing an overall third place finish aboard her own Wellspring’s Roxstar, a Large 11-year-old Welsh Pony Cross. As the third place finisher, David rode away with prizes from sponsors including a grooming tote from Sea Horse Tack Trunks and a belt from Boy O Boy Bridleworks. 

Earning the High Score Award for the Small section and placing sixth overall was Shiloh Roseboom, riding Enchantment Farms LLC’s Heavenly Patch of Blue.

The top 12 riders each received flowers from Champion Floral Blankets by Susan Garrett and a gift from Sea Horse Tack Trunks.

Taking place in the same ring where the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship will be held August 15-17, the inaugural Pony Hunter Derby Championship saw 106 small, medium and large ponies contest Bobby Murphy’s Classic Hunter Course in the Rolex Stadium of the Kentucky Horse Park. The top 20 returned for a jog and Murphy's Handy Hunter course consisting of three options and a trot fence. The Championship was judged by Scott Williamson, Claudia Roland, John Roper and James Giblin. 

Entries are currently open for the 2019 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship-West, which will be held September 15 during the Blenheim Fall Tournament in San Juan Capistrano, California.

The USHJA thanks Hugh Kincannon, J.P. Bordeleau and the entire Kentucky Summer Horse Shows team for hosting the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship-East. 

USHJA extends its gratitude to official sponsors Charles Owen, CWD, Parlanti and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and award sponsors Essex Classics, Sea Horse Tack Trunks, Champion Floral Blankets by Susan Garrett and Boy O Boy Bridleworks.

For more information about the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, visit ushja.org/PonyHunterDerby

USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship-East Results

Placing / Horse / Rider / Owner / Overall Score

1. Pokerface / Kierstin Antoniadis / Winter Tietjen / 175.00

2. Hidden Springs Waltz / Vivian Golden / Renaud Farm LLC / 168.87

3. Wellspring's Roxstar / Isabella David / Isabella David / 165.12

4. Half Moon Bay / Anna Marie Mayes / Heather Hornor / 163.25

5. Spot On / Sofia Moskowitz / Sofia Moskowitz / 162.50

6. Heavenly Patch Of Blue / Shiloh Roseboom / Enchantment Farms LLC / 162.50

7. Bit Of Laughter / Lauren Gee / Iwasaki & Reilly / 161.25

8. Misty / Carsyn Korotkin / Montoga Inc. / 160.50

9. Tina Turner / Lauren Gee / Team Weston LLC / 159.50

10. Watchusayin / Madison Moore / Madison Moore / 159.50

11. Al Schoponi / Grayson Hutchins / Grayson Hutchins / 157.00

12. Goldhills As You Like It / Vivian Golden / Vivian Golden / 156.25

About the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association

The United States Hunter Jumper Association, as the official hunter/jumper affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation, is a competition-based sport organization that serves our members through educational programs, awards and recognition, communication and rules. We provide a wide array of programs for all hunter/jumper levels, and we are mindful of the well-being of our equine partners. Additionally, we are committed to preserving the history of our sport and through our Foundation we support charitable and benevolent services. Learn more at ushja.org.