Lexington, Ky. – August 13, 2018 – A leading force in the pony and junior hunter rings, 12-year-old Savonna Adell continued her successful year at the 2018 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Collecting Gaits Farm. Held annually in Lexington, Kentucky at the Kentucky Horse Park, the prestigious event attracts the top qualifying ponies and riders in the nation to compete for coveted honors and awards.
Trained by Gary, Donna and Kelsey Duffy at Little Brook Farms, Adell impressed the judges with her efforts in the saddle as well as on the ground displaying sportsmanship to her fellow competitors. The up-and-coming rider was presented with the Buttons N’ Bows Sportsmanship Trophy, awarded to the junior rider who best personifies the high standards of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, courage, good temper and unselfishness during Pony Finals.
After receiving multiple nominations and supporting letters, the committee selected Adell as the winner of this esteemed award. As someone who has competed at Pony Finals for three years, she helped with lending a hand and giving advice to her barn mates and other riders at the ring and back in the stabling area.
Adell knows the importance of giving back to the sport she is so passionate about and helping others. Setting a good example to her fellow competitors and maintaining a positive attitude is just one part of what it means to be a good, well-rounded equestrian athlete.
“Winning the sportsmanship award is so special,” expressed Adell. “To be noticed by the other riders and judges for something like that really means a lot. I always try to be helpful whenever I can, and I understand how much pressure everyone is under during Pony Finals, so I know it’s extra important during a show like that.”
Adell also had notable achievements during the prestigious competition with her two mounts, Laugh Out Loud and Spellbound. In the Large Pony Hunter division, Adell had great performances with Spellbound, including a seventh place finish in the undersaddle out of 147 entries. The pair also secured an eighth place ribbon in their section of the model.
Riding Laugh Out Loud in the Medium Pony Hunters, Adell earned a top 20 ribbon out of an extremely large and competitive field of ponies in the undersaddle in addition to pinning fourth place in their section of the model.
“We are so thrilled with Savonna’s performance during this year’s Pony Finals,” said Gary. “To be recognized with a sportsmanship award really showcases what a wonderful friend and athlete we know that Savonna is. And on top of that to come away with ribbons in two divisions is really special.”
The team at Little Brook Farms is proud of the athlete and horsewoman Adell is developing into, and looks forward to seeing where her success takes her. Little Brook Farms will continue to compete in Kentucky before preparing for the 2018 Indoor circuit where they are hoping to earn more top results and accolades.
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