Big Wishes for Little Feat Announces Sponsorship of the 2021 USEF Pony Finals, a Magical Event for Young Equestrians
NEW HOPE, Pa. – August 02, 2021 – Cheryl Olsten, the author of the uplifting children’s book Big Wishes for Little Feat, is pleased to announce an official sponsorship of the 2021 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Honor Hill Farms. The event takes place Aug. 8-15 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
Inspired by Olsten’s show hunter champion Lafitte De Muze, Big Wishes for Little Feat is set in the Kingdom of Belgium. In this fanciful tale, a lonely young girl named Ella meets a young horse who dreams of finding his perfect rider. Ella eventually comes to name the young horse “Little Feat." Feat meaning courage, strength and skill. Together through their bond of friendship and trust, they prove anything is possible. Because wishes and dreams do come true.
USEF Pony Finals competitors have worked to qualify for and participate in the event. There is nothing quite as magical for young equestrians as this legendary event. Hundreds of girls and boys don bows and bowties and bring their well-groomed partners to compete in the most prestigious event in a pony rider’s life.
The book’s message aligns with USEF Pony Finals riders’ journey. By following your dreams, you can accomplish anything.
Olsten honors the work and dedication of these athletes and wishes them all the best as they reach for the stars.
Illustrated by Paolo d' Altan
About Pony Finals
In 1959, the British National Pony Society and the British Show Pony Society challenged American pony riders to an international Pony Hunter Competition. First held at the prestigious National Horse Show in New York City, the best U.S. ponies and riders met head-to-head with the best British ponies and riders in the small and large divisions. The first competition emphasized conformation and under saddle performance. Jumping ability was tested over two fences and counted 20% toward the final score; the American riders in this inaugural competition were narrowly defeated 10 to 9. Two years later, the British National Pony Society hosted the competition. The American riders prepared by spending a rigorous two weeks at the famed Olympic Training Center in Gladstone, New Jersey. The training proved beneficial, as the U.S. returned with the trophy by earning a score of 13 over Britain’s 9.
In 1967, the American Horse Shows Association created the Pony Finals as a national event, open to all members who met the qualifying criteria. Since 1984, the finals have included the popular Pony Medal Championship, an equitation competition; and in 1999, the Green Hunter Pony Championship was added. Today, the USEF Pony Finals, presented by Honor Hill Farms, is the most prestigious and celebrated event of its kind in the United States. The Regular Hunter Pony and Green Hunter Pony Finals are a three-phase competition judging the pony’s conformation, way of moving and jumping ability. The Marshall & Sterling/USEF Pony Medal Final tests young riders, judging their ability to compete over a technical and demanding course of fences. The USEF Pony Jumper Championship was designed as a stepping stone for junior riders who desire to move into the Grand Prix ring one day.
For more information about Pony Finals, visit PonyFinals.org.
Buy the Book
Get a copy of Big Wishes for Little Feat, a story about true friendship, facing and overcoming obstacles, and most importantly, always believing.