2005 Press Releases

First Week of the Legacy Cup Concludes with Pony Hunter Finals
By Diana DeRosa

Legacy Cup
May 15, 2005

May 15, 2005 -- Lexington, KY -- On Sunday, May 15th, 2005 the Pony Hunter Final Go Round concluded the first week of the two-week Legacy Cup which took place at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows in Lexington, KY. When it was all over Jennifer Waxman and Tuscany, owned by Caroline Spogli, went to the head of the Pony division, sponsored by Shadyside Farm and Kate Gibson, winning both the Finals and the Leading Pony Rider award (for having won the most money in that division - $1,607). Leading Trainer of the Week, sponsored by EP Bishop Company, was Havens Schatt, whose students accumulated the most money ($8,034).

The 13-year-old Waxman, Cleveland, OH, was really pleased with Tuscany. "He is so awesome. No matter what distance he gets he always jumps perfect," she said, referring to the eight-year-old medium pony she's only been riding for a year now. "He is really sweet on the ground but a little bit playful."

Waxman took the lead as the 13th rider to go in the field of 25 small, medium and large ponies and she maintained that lead right to the end. In between she was out at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show competing on other ponies, so she didn't have time to chew her nails and hope that no one else would take over her lead. Finally, when the last rider had gone and no one could match her score, Waxman knew that for the second year in a row she was the winner of the Pony Hunter division. Last year Strike a Pose helped her earn that title.

Tuscany's score of 262 earned them $1,292. Second place honors went to Schaeffer Raposa riding Shine, owned by Lanes End Pony Stables, to a score of 255.5 and $952 in prize money. The winner of the Pony Hunter First Go Round, Megan Davis and Far From Home, could not match their go round performance but their score of 206 placed them 14th and they too got a piece of the pie ($136). That is the beauty of the Legacy Cup; the money is paid out through the 20th place.

When Waxman realized she had won again she "was very excited and I was really happy he was a good boy." Waxman paid special attention to maintaining Tuscany's leads to the first and last jump. In the first Go Round he swapped leads and she ended up third. She knew she couldn't let that happen this time if she wanted a chance to win the class.

While the ponies were jumping the all new "Legacy Club" allowed spectators to watch the class while enjoying a homemade lunch. And while they were dining on soup, salad and pasta, the pony kids enjoyed a pizza party (sponsored by Lochmoor Stables, Inc). and ice cream social (sponsored by Lanes End Pony Stables).

Like so many of the other riders, Waxman complimented the AHJF for putting on the Legacy Cup. "It's so nice and so well done. The course is always great and the ribbons are beautiful. This event is cool because it's different, which makes it special. Anyone can compete in the first round; you don't have to qualify or earn points," said the girl who's been riding since she was five years old and who intends to keep on riding. "It's so much fun and so nice because you get to work with animals and I love animals. So, you get to do both."

Getting to do both and spending time in the winner's circle does have its perks and Waxman certainly earned her way to the top on the final day of week one. Over the three days the weather went from hot to torrential downpours to Sunday's brisk weather but through it all Waxman and the many other Legacy Cup competitors showcased their talents in the indoor arena protected from the elements. Not even the weather could tarnish the 2005 Legacy Cup as it continues to achieve its goal of being an innovative, high paying, exhibitor-friendly event.

Legacy Cup action continues through May 22. By the time this year's event has concluded over $50,000 in purses will be distributed. For more information about the Legacy Cup contact the AHJF (335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369), Phone: 508-835-8813, www.ahjf.org, E-mail: AHJF@earthlink.net.