The Tallulah Falls School Competitive Pony team traveled to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to compete at the Class A Miniature, Shetland and Show Pony Blue Grass Round-Up on August 19-20.
Team members showed ponies in several different classes, including halter, roadster, hunter, jumping, showmanship, versatility, and country pleasure driving.
Senior Brooke Hayes of Cornelia, junior Victoria Verberkmoes of Toccoa, and freshman Sarah Campbell of Mayesville competed. All three brought home blue ribbons.
Hayes won first place in halter, roadster, versatility, and country pleasure driving.
“It was a great show,” said Hayes. “The horses are so well trained and so solid.”
Verberkmoes won first in youth halter and jumper. She won second in hunter and third in showmanship.
“I liked seeing all the ponies and seeing all the talent,” said Verberkmoes. “I showed Chili, and he competed with the best,” said Verberkmoes. “It feels good to be a champion.”
Campbell drove open country pleasure in three different classes and won first place in all three, making her the overall grand champion in miniature country pleasure. She also won first place in solid color halter.
“I am still learning the horses,” said Campbell. “It was exciting to win.”
The team competed with four champion ponies provided by President and Head of School Dr. Larry Peevy and equestrian program director Dinah Peevy, who both traveled to the competition with the team.
“They were on it,” said Dinah Peevy. “It was the best show we have had. The team is really standing out – they placed high in every class.”
The next show for the team will be held at the Newton County Saddle Club in September.
