Participating in the finals of the Allspan Pony Cup, an afternoon you will never forget

Amidst all the international action, the final of the Allspan Pony Cup was also on the program today. A competition with a jump-off and double the excitement. Both individual and team rankings were determined, with teams under professional guidance.

The festivities began for the 1.45m class when the teams were announced. Until then, the pony riders who had earned a coveted ticket to the Allspan Pony Cup final didn't know which top rider was their coach or who they were on the team with. None other than Jeroen Dubbeldam, Jur Vrieling, Maikel van der Vleuten, Willem Greve, and debutant Marriët Smit-Hoekstra were the coaches this year. Jack-of-all-trades Wesley Mulder announced the teams. The tense faces of 25 ambitious pony riders looked at him, and one by one, they were called out and presented with a beautiful Epplejeck saddle pad. Their first unique souvenir had arrived!

Presentation in the ring
Five top riders walked a course with the future stars, preparing them for their start. Tips were given on how to best prepare, how to determine the correct distance, and more. Then, the teams entered the arena on their ponies, accompanied by their coaches. Just like at a real Nations Cup, they introduced themselves to the enthusiastic spectators, but also gave the ponies a sneak peek at the arena. Once again, Wesley Mulder hosted the event.

Winners
Actually, all those who competed in this special final at the WTC Expo were winners, but we'd still like to mention the highest-placed riders. Team Jur Vrieling emerged victorious. This team consisted of Naomi Wastenecker, Lucie Bergsma, Feline Scherphof, Lieke Spelbrink, and Caro Lize Wessels Boer. The latter was also the individual winner. Caro Lize rode her eight-year-old mare, D-pony Koetsiershoeve Championesse, to victory in 26.76 seconds. The winner couldn't have wished for a better ending, as this was her last competition with her pony.

Praise
The winning team was honored at the Horse & Country media plaza, watched by their many fans. Team captain Jur Vrieling: “It was fantastic, I'm proud of my team. They all rode fantastically. The first starter got off to a good start, which took some of the pressure off. The other ladies then finished brilliantly. Incidentally, they were in great form themselves, and I enjoyed giving them some additional tips.”

Text: Media team Indoor Friesland
Photos: Digishots & Equiglim