Lexington, Ky.—Aug. 9, 2014
As the last class and biggest class of the hunter divisions at the U.S. Equestrian Federation Pony Finals began on Saturday, the skies opened up and riders were straining to find their distances through the driving rain. But less-than-ideal weather couldn't stop popular catch-rider Taylor St. Jacques from putting in a smooth,
consistent round atop Finders-Keepers to claim the top spot in the medium pony championships.
For 15-year-old St. Jacques, this win is a special one. This is the last year she's able to compete in the medium pony division, so she was determined to make it count, especially after just missing the championship title aboard Elegance last year.
"Last year I was reserve, so this year I kind of wanted to beat that. It meant a lot that I could come back and top last year's result, and I'm glad I could do it with �Keepers,' ' said St. Jacques.
St. Jacques, of Glen Allen, Va., got the ride on Keepers, owned by R.H.F. Enterprises, Inc., the last week of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (Fla.) this year when her trainer, Bill Schaub, suggested she take up the gelding's reins and try her hand competing him in the regular hunters.
"He's really fun to ride; you kind of just have to. leave his face alone and just tell him to keep going, and no matter what distance you give him, he always jumps well,' said St. Jacques. "