Photo Dump: July 2026 National Dressage Pony Cup

October 15, 2026

Photo Dump: July 2026 National Dressage Pony Cup

You know what they say: better late than never. Some photos are out of order, but you get the idea.

Freshly bathed and ready to go. Pyro (in the stall behind Missy) came down to keep Miss company.

Ice in the trailer to keep Nova cool. The whole weekend was a scorcher.

Missy was so happy to have Pyro with her.

Baby cam was handy when Nova jumped her front legs into the manger before we even made it down the driveway. (She was NOT pleased I was taking her away from the other two, who were happily frolicking.) Thankfully got her extracted without any injuries.

She rode quietly the rest of the way and unloaded like a pro.

Moving into "F" barn, aka home of the Welsh Cob Social Club, at WEC

Potato-quality photos of my friends kicking ass.

Nova was a dream to travel with. She slept, ate, drank, and pooped like normal.

More screenshots from spectating.

"The Sanctuary" was impressive (and climate controlled).

It was unbelievably hot in the scorching sun of the outdoor arenas, and coats were waived, but LOOK AT HOW GORGEOUS THAT LILAC IS.

Jen casually strolling through WEC with her good baby stallion, Disco.

Her show coat and his tail were both spectacular.

Another member of the Welsh Cob Social Club showing in "The Sanctuary".

Fun "kids" logo featured a rainbow unicorn

The awards display was awe-inspiring.

Perfect princess

I greatly enjoyed getting to spectate from the cafe overlooking an arena with a can of wine in hand.

Pre-show bathtime!

Nova handled the busy barn and wash rack well.

After seeing how much I struggled with trying to tame a cob mane, Nova's "Hairy Godmother", paid us a visit.

Not perfect, but better than it was.

Braided and shiny

Early morning hello to Dragon, one of my favorite stallions.

Showtime!
Photo credit: Liz

We entered the Pony Yearling Fillies, the Open Yearling Fillies, and the Welsh breed class.
Photo credit: Liz

I had never shown in a Dressage Sport Horse Prospects In-Hand class, aka "on the triangle", before, and there was definitely a learning curve. Thankfully, I had some great support and coaching between trips into the ring.
Photo credit: Liz

Despite my handling fumbles, Nova handled the atmosphere beautifully.
Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Liz

She scored 8s on her walk.
Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Liz

The "squirrel tail", lol. Apparently the judge (right) was one of the tougher ones in the country.
Photo credit: Liz

Champion Pony Filly!
Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Liz

A little edit to let my girlie shine
Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

She also scored 8s on her head/neck/shoulder conformation.

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Photo credit: Liz

Reserve Champion Young Pony!
Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Liz

Reserve Grand Champion Pony!
Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Liz

Consequences of me trying to turn her too sharply around the triangle.
Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Photo credit: Liz

Baby mare glare
Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Photo credit: Liz

Jokes were made about Nova flying her handler vs. me flying a pony kite.
Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Reserve Champion Open Filly (Qualified for Proelite/USDF Breeders Championship Series)
Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Photo credit: Liz

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Standing up a yearling in an "open" stance is... difficult.
Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

In the Open, she showed against the warmbloods and held her own.
Photo credit: Winslow Photography

Photo credit: Winslow Photography

More spectating from the cafe (with a packed lunch of "safe" foods).

I took her braids out for the final Welsh class. She was so done with my shenanigans by that point, but still won the class.

I still need someone to pinch me... that's FIVE neck ribbons from my first time showing Nova.

And a PLATTER?!!?!?!

The entire ribbon haul.


	1st place Pony Yearling Fillies (77.125%) Champion Pony Filly Reserve Champion Pony Young Horse Reserve Grand Champion Pony 2nd place Open Yearling Fillies (77.700%) Reserve Champion Open Filly ProElite/USDF Breeders Championship Series Qualifier 1st place IBC Welsh (75.950%)