TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published August 6, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
The 2026 USEF Pony Finals have begun at the Kentucky Horse Park, with Emma Todorov and Evelyn Buchanan taking early leads in the Hunter divisions while the Jumper championships saw 22 clear rounds in the opening phase.
What Happened
The 2026 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall+Sterling officially commenced at the Kentucky Horse Park, bringing together the nation's top ponies and youth riders. The opening day focused on the initial phases of the Hunter championships and the first phase of the Jumper championships.
In the Large Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Charles Ancona, Emma Todorov and Galway took an early lead in a massive field of 148 entries. The pair secured a total score of 525.29 after the Model and Under Saddle phases. Close behind are Lillian Orne riding Tobie van de Lufkenshoeve (524.47) and Annie Cooper aboard Chapeau (522.11).
The Small Green Pony Hunter National Championship saw Evelyn Buchanan and Vallencourt rise to the top of the 49-pony division with a two-phase score of 514.05. Gabrielle Pitts and Little Aspen currently sit in second (507.54), followed by Kelly Mapes and For Real (507.01).
On the jumper side, the USEF/World Wide Technology Pony Jumper National Championships began in the Claiborne Ring. The Small Pony Jumper division saw a competitive start with 22 combinations producing clear rounds in Phase 1.
Why It Matters
Pony Finals represents the pinnacle of achievement for youth riders in the United States. Because the event utilizes a weighted scoring system, where the Model and Under Saddle phases each count for 25% and the Over Fences phase counts for 50%, the opening day results create a high-stakes environment for the final jumping rounds.
For trainers and parents, the first day serves as a testament to the preparation required for the "Model" phase, a unique aspect of this championship that evaluates the pony’s conformation and physical condition. The narrow margins between the top riders (often less than a single point) highlight the precision required at this level of national competition.
Competition Context
The Hunter standings are currently based on the "flat" phases. The leaderboard is expected to shift significantly tomorrow as the Over Fences phase begins. This final phase carries the most weight and often determines the overall Grand Champion. In the Jumper ring, the high number of clear rounds in the Small Pony division suggests a high level of technical proficiency among this year's qualifiers, setting the stage for a fast and demanding team competition later in the week.
Discipline Context
This event impacts the Hunter, Jumper, and Youth disciplines. It is the primary talent identification weekend for U.S. Equestrian's pony divisions, showcasing the next generation of high-performance athletes. The inclusion of the "Green" divisions also highlights the development of young equine talent (ponies in their first years of rated competition) within the Breeding and training industry.
Quick Facts
- Event: 2026 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall+Sterling
- Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Ky.
- Governing Body: US Equestrian (USEF)
- Hunter Leaders (Day 1): Emma Todorov (Large Regular), Evelyn Buchanan (Small Green)
- Jumper Status: 22 clear rounds in Small Pony Jumper Phase 1
- Streaming: Live on USEF Network via ClipMyHorse.TV
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.