Missy Jo Hollingsworth and Saddle Lake Equestrian Center Join as Presenting Sponsor of 2021 Kym K Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championship Adults on Ponies Section

Lexington, Ky.— Aug. 9, 2021—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to welcome Missy Jo Hollingsworth and Saddle Lake Equestrian Center as the presenting sponsor of the 2021 Kym K Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championship's Adults on Ponies section. The Championships will be held August 29 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia.

"We’re thankful to Missy Jo for her support of the Young Hunter Pony Championships and this new section for our adult members,” said Kevin Price, USHJA executive director. “The decision to add the Adults on Ponies section has been met with lots of positive feedback, and we are thrilled we can provide adult members a unique and fun opportunity to compete on ponies at a championship level.” 

The Young Hunter Pony Championships will offer the following sections at the 2021 event: Hunter Pony 4- and 5-Year-Olds 2’, Hunter Pony 4- and 5-Year-Olds 2’ or 2’3” (exhibitor’s choice), Hunter Pony 6- and 7-Year-Olds 2’, Hunter Pony 6- and 7-Year-Olds 2’ or 2’3” (exhibitor’s choice), and Hunter Pony 6- and 7-Year-Olds 2’6” to be made up of one model, one under saddle class and two over fences classes. A division for 5-Year-Olds and under for ponies not competing in the 4- and 5-Year-Olds over fences classes will also be offered and will include an under saddle class, an under saddle class to be made up of 30% conformation, and a model. 

New for 2021, an Adults on Ponies division has been added to the Championship's schedule. The division is open to Professional or Amateur riders and will consist of one under saddle, two over fences, and one model class. Fences will be the exhibitor’s choice of 2’, 2’3” or 2’6”.

“I am proud to support USHJA and the Kym K Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championship Adult section. It is my pleasure to give back to an Association that does so much not only for their membership but also the Hunter Ponies I adore," said Hollingsworth. 

For more information about the Kym K Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships, including the 2021 prize list and specifications, visit ushja.org/YHPC. 

About Missy Jo Hollingsworth and Saddle Lake Equestrian Center

Saddle Lake Equestrian Center, Saddle Lake Loveland and Saddle Lake Ocala are owned by Missy Jo Hollingsworth and her husband, Mark Clark. Children Jordan and Preston have been an active part of the Kentucky horse farm lifestyle. Saddle Lake was created in April of 1996 by Missy Jo. Missy Jo is a well-respected trainer and breeder. Her horses have earned wins at USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships, Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, USEF Pony Finals, Kentucky National, Upperville, Brandywine, Highfields, Devon, Indoors, WEF and the USEF Breeding Championship. Missy Jo stands 27 International Supreme Champion *Telynau Royal Charter. LOM, AOE, AOD, OD &OC, WPSCA Order of the Dragon, Sire Award of Excellence, Sire Award of Distinction and Order of the Centaur. Charter has also received the USEF Leading Sire Award 11 times. Also standing *Telynau Gallant Sire of Best Young Pony at Devon & Upperville and successful Pony Finals offspring. Home to Jr stallion Royal Party Shoes, *Telynau Royal Charter X Tristans Party Shoes (Grand Champion Pony Finals). Missy Jo, and the rest of the Saddle Lake Team, strive to make Saddle Lake an industry leader in developing horses, ponies and riders to their maximum abilities with integrity.