Name: Ellee Perri
Hometown : Joppa, Maryland
Age: 12
Ponies: Mardi Gras and Noelle
Trainers : Patti Fenwick and Dona Ruth
Of all the ponies you’ve ridden which are your favorites: That’s hard to say because all ponies are fun. I am training a young welsh gelding right now to be a steeplechase pony and I am having a blast! He is soooo much fun. He’s fast and can jump like anything.
What pony would you like to ride? A horse named Johnny that my grandmother bred. He is young, green and way too big for me but maybe one day.
How did you get into riding? My family has always bred and raised Shetland ponies. When I was just 10 months old I did my first lead line class on a Shetland pony! That was the start to it all.
What is your favoite horse show? I have two favorites: The Maryland JR Huntcup and Waredaca Horse Trials. I enjoy steeplechasing and eventing.
What was the high point of your riding career? When I got to do a demonstration race at Fair Hill International and ride with Karen Oconnor and Phillip Dutton. I also met Boyd Martin who signed my shirt.
What was the low point? When I broke my arm and couldn’t ride for 6 weeks.
Who are your equestrian idols? Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton and Karen O’Connor.
Other than riding what do you do? lacrosse and playing with all my animals – my pig, my 3 dogs and my chickens.
What are your plans for the future? Ride at Rolex!
Name: Zachary Pierre
Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
Age: 11
Ponies:A Spoonful of Sugar, Telynaus Braveheart, and Heartland’s Raisin Cain
Trainers: Jennifer Bieling (in the US) and Erika Adderley (in Nassau)
Of all the ponies you’ve ridden, which is your favorite? Mine! (A Spoonful of Sugar – she is perfect!)
What pony would you like to ride? Bluetiful
How did you get into riding? Through my mom; she rides.
What is your favorite horse show? Pony Finals, of course.
What was the high point in your riding career? Winning a Pony Jumper class – the wall was gigantic!
What was the low point? Falling off in the ring at Venice
Who are your Equestrian Idols? Maclain Ward and Eric Lamaze
Other than riding, what do you do? I am on the track team at my school, I play guitar and am starting a rock band with my friends.
What are your plans for the future? I want to be the first Bahamian rider in the Olympics!