Lilly Herzog Dominates Pony Sunday at 2024 WIHS

The 2024 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS Equestrian ™ came to a close on Sunday, October 27, with competition for ponies. The tiniest and the mightiest competitors took center stage across the Pony Hunter divisions as well as in the WIHS Pony Equitation Finals and Pony Hunt Teams costume class. When all athletes had laid down their final trips, it was Lilly Herzog of Pepper Pike, OH, who domainated the day. She claimed the Grand Pony Hunter Champion honors aboard Robin Greenwood’s D’Artagnan and went on to win the WIHS Pony Equitation Finals.

Earning the win in both the Large Pony Hunter under saddle and the Large Pony Conformation Hunter round as well as a third place over fences, Herzog and D’Artagnan not only secured the Large Pony Hunter Championship and Grand Pony Hunter Championship, but also Best Child Rider on a Pony and Gochman Style of Riding awards.

“He is such a steady eddy that if I can get my act together, it’s always in him to win,” expressed Herzog of the 14-year-old German Riding Pony gelding by Donnerhall. “He is so consistent, and he’s been doing it for a while; he knows his job. He is just always looking for the next challenge and is focused in as much as I am.”

The win was icing on the cake for the 14-year-old rider’s first time to WIHS, and one she says she wouldn’t have without the support of ‘Beau’s’ owner.

“I owe it all to Robin Greenwood,” she stated. “She’s given me the incredible opportunity to ride him, and he’s just one of the sweetest animals I’ve ever met.

“I was really excited to come this week and see what they did with the stadium,” she continued. “It is such a different atmosphere and vibe; it’s been so fun.”

However, the bittersweet day didn’t end there for Herzog. Taking her final turn around the ring aboard the beloved gelding, she piloted her partner to another brilliant performance worthy of a 92 from the judges in the WIHS Pony Equitation Final, presented by Huntland.

“I have such mixed emotions right now, but I wouldn’t have today end any other way,” she admitted. “We had such a great result in the large division earlier, but my plan for this class was again just to be as calm as possible and lay down a solid round with no massive mistakes.”

Herzog relied on her longstanding relationship with D’Artagnan to know where they could shine best as a pair.

“I think we really showed off our partnership the best in the last line,” she detailed. “I’ve gotten to know him and his stride so well that I was able to move up and melt to the last oxer exactly how I wanted to meet it. He just has the best personality; walking into the ring with him you know you have a great pony under you, and it’s like you’ve already won before you even walk in.”

Second place with a score of 90 went to Finley Baras (Bedford Corners, CT) and the Sweet Oak Farm’s 16-year-old Welsh Pony gelding (Gayfield’s Comin’ Up Roses) On Your Mark.  Kenzie Smith (Shoreham, NY) rounded out the top three with the KHC Farms, Inc’s eight-year-old Warmblood gelding (Woodrow Carisbrooke) Why Not, coming in just one point short on a score of 89 points.

The 2024 WIHS has come to an end, but save the date for the 2025 edition, on October 20-26. Thanks to everyone who made the show a success!