Lilly Herzog dominated the results at The Washington International Horse Show (WHIS), presented by MARS Equestrian ™, which ended on October 27.
Herzog was named the Large Pony Hunter Champion, Grand Champion Pony Hunter, Best Child Rider on a Pony, and Gochman Style of Riding Award with her horse, D’Artagnan.
After the large pony hunter win Herzog said she’s had him on and off for about a year and thanked her trainer, Robin Greenwood, for the opportunity.
“She’s given me the incredible opportunity to ride him, and he’s such a steady eddy that if I can get my act together it’s always in him.”
Herzog relied on her relationship with D’Artagnan – barn name is Beau – to know where they could shine best as a pair. Despite his size and demeanor, Herzog described him as one of the sweetest animals she’s ever met.
“He would never hurt a fly,” she said. “Beau really likes scratches on his withers and all treats. He is just such a steady eddy and so consistent. He’s been doing it for a while, and he knows his job.”
The 14-year-old equitation is from Pepper Pike, Ohio, and rides with a team in Madison Farm. Herzog expressed her gratitude for being at the WHIS and coming to Washington D.C. for the first time.
“I was really excited to come see what they did with the stadium because I’ve been here for Capital Challenge. But it is such a different atmosphere and such a different vibe than what they did with the ring.”
After winning many titles at the WHIS, her next focus is having a calm mentality. “My parents and trainers always tell me to stay calm because the calmer I am, the better I do,” Herzog said. “I think I just have to put this win out of my mind because I just need to go back to a calm mentality and not let it get to my head before the equitation class.”
All photos are courtesy of Kelsey Nicole Nelson
