WASHINGTON, D.C. – OCTOBER 25, 2009 – Today marked the conclusion of the Washington International Horse Show at Verizon Center, as the Pony Hunter divisions wrapped up their second day of competition. Meredith Darst had a banner day, claiming two of the championship tricolors, and going on to win the Grand Champion Pony Hunter trophy with Elation. She was also presented with the award for Best Child Rider on a Pony, sponsored by the Arute Family, for her excellent performance.

Later in the day, Darst continued her winning streak with Tuscany, owned by the West End Stables of Los Angeles, CA, in the Medium Pony Hunter division, sponsored by Bob Foosaner and Kris Gali. The duo took home The Shenandoah Sundowner Perpetual Trophy and the championship prize for their outstanding performance. The reserve championship honors went to Victoria Colvin and Promise Too, owned by Scott Stewart of Ocala, FL.

“Tuscany jumped well, especially yesterday,” noted 11-year-old Darst. “He’s a lot of fun.”

Darst began riding Tuscany this summer, and the pair was Grand Champion Pony Hunter at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show last week. “She absolutely loves him,” said Mindy. “He’s a wonderful pony and Harrisburg last week was a nice finish, and I’m very proud of what Meredith had accomplished here.”

This is the fourth year that Darst has earned a championship tricolor at the Washington International Horse Show. “I love Washington, it’s my favorite horse show,” she commented. “Waking up early is hard but I like the show. Yesterday we got to the spy museum and that was fun.”

Exerpt from original article by Rebecca Walton of PMG