UPPERVILLE, Va., June 9, 2022 — It was a banner day for the Abeles family in Hunter Ring II, as Lilia Sharp piloted Farnley Tenspeed, a pony bred by her grandmother Hetty Abeles, to three awards in the Large Local Pony Hunter division at the 169th Upperville Colt & Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian™.
Sharp’s rhythmical and accurate riding was rewarded with a win and second place over fences and a third in the hack, elevating Farnley Tenspeed to the championship in the Large Local Pony Hunters. Her point tabulation was strong enough to nail down the Grand Local Pony Hunter Championship as well as the Patty Motion Memorial Trophy for Best Local Child Rider on a Pony.
Beatrice VanSant of Middleburg rode Ladybug to the Reserve Championship, just one point over fences separating the title holders.
Farnley Tenspeed, a seven-year-old Welsh Cross, was bred by Abeles at the renown Farnley Farm in White Post, Va., and a large contingent of family members were present to cheer on Sharp and the 14.2 hand gray gelding.
“Tenspeed has the best personality,” she beamed. “He is a big lap dog in a horse’s body. He loves to cuddle and is very goofy all the time, and I am so happy we had a great show.”
“Northern Virginia is such a beautiful place and I think it really shines through here at the Upperville showgrounds,” she continued. “It’s a wonderful place to show and just a wonderful place to be.”
Sharp, a recent graduate of the Foxcroft School, will continue to show this summer before entering her first year of studies at the College of William & Mary, where she hopes to join the Intercollegiate equestrian team.
RESULTS:
The Patty Motion Memorial Trophy for Best Local Child Rider on a Pony: Lilia Sharp, Front Royal, Va.
Grand Champion Local Pony
Farnley Tenspeed, ridden by Lilia Sharp, owned by Hetty Abeles
Local Large Pony Hunter
Champion: Farnley Tenspeed, ridden by Lilia Sharp, owned by Hetty Abeles
Reserve Champion: Ladybug, ridden by Beatrice VanSant, owned by Michele Hazel
Local Medium Pony Hunter
Champion: Gypsy Happy-Go-Lucky, ridden by Tessa Tullock, owned by Patty Davis
Reserve Champion: Good Boy, ridden by Beatrice Lynch, owned by Capstone Farm, LLC
Local Small Pony Hunter
Champion: Wonderland, ridden by Sloane Greiner, owned by Quiet Haven Farm, LLC
Reserve Champion: Kid Rock, ridden by Maia McLean, owned by Jane Turner