Road to Pony Finals Spotlight: Genevieve Long
Rette Solomon for Tryon International
Genevieve "Gigi" Long, of Greenville, SC, is qualified for USEF Pony Finals and will compete with Home Run Bound at the prestigious event in August. This will be Gigi’s first trip to Pony Finals, and is under the guidance of Gisele Beardsley O'Grady at Clearview Farm in Landrum, SC.
We had the opportunity to talk with Gigi and Giselle about the journey to Pony Finals.
Gigi
Q: Tell us about the pony you will be showing at Pony Finals.
A: My pony’s name is Scout. He's really sweet. He has a really funny, sweet attitude and personality. He loves to do the handy rounds, it's his favorite thing to do. I'm also really thankful for Karen Bruce for letting me lease him. He's just so perfect! He loves to jump.
Q: What are you most excited for at Pony finals?
A: Probably getting to watch all the great ponies show, it’s going to be really cool.
Q: As you head into Pony Finals, what do you think your strengths are as a team?
A: We have a really strong bond off the ground. He's really sweet. He always comes to me in the field. We can kind of talk to each other when we're going to jumps.
Q: What goals are you looking to accomplish at Pony Finals?
A: Just get all my distances, and make it through with a smile on my face!
Gigi Long and Home Run Bound
©Natalie Suto Photography
Q: How have you enjoyed the experience of competing at Tryon?
A: I’ve been competing here at Tryon for two years. I love it here, because when I came when I was younger, I was like, ‘this is so cool that the kids get to do it’, and I finally get to do it!
Q: Have you ever competed at Tryon’s Pony Spectacular?
A: I competed last year. I remember it was really cool watching the $10,000 pony derby!
Gigi Long and Home Run Bound
©Natalie Suto Photography
Gisele
Q: What do you feel Gigi and Home Run Bound’s strengths are heading into Pony Finals?
A: Determination for sure. She tries really hard as a student all the time. And the pony is such a good teacher, because when you make a mistake, it shows, but he looks after her. And as a team, they have really grown together. It's been a really fun year for them for sure.
Q: How long have you been training this team?
A: For the past 9 or 10 months! There's a team of us that helped Gigi [at Clearview].
Q: What are you most looking forward to coaching at Pony Finals?
A: It's actually my first time. So really, the whole experience!
Gigi Long and Home Run Bound
©Kristen Long
Stay tuned for updates on Gigi and Home Run Bound’s journey to Pony Finals! The pair will compete at Tryon’s Pony Spectacular presented by Young Rider, taking place July 4-9 during Tryon Summer 4. USEF Pony Finals is held at the Lexington Horse Park in Lexington, KY, from August 8-13. Be on the lookout for more spotlights on local young riders competing at Pony Finals!