LEXINGTON, KY – August 13, 2010 – In the world of equestrian sports, it is rare that a particular horse or pony stays with one owner for an extended period of time; however, when the fit is right – years can fly by and horses become part of the family. In it for the long haul, the Mershad Family of New Albany, Ohio have seen their large pony “Little Freebie” perform admirably in the adolescent phases of each of their four children’s riding endeavors.

Little Freebie has been the trusted partner of Sophia, Gabriela and Ricky Mershad in years past and has helped each of the siblings develop their riding skills and move on to larger classes with new horses. In 2010, the large pony was called on to partner with 11 year old Andre Mershad in the USEF Pony Finals, held in Lexington, KY.

Competing against teams from various regions across the country, Mershad and Little Freebie were teamed with a group of riders including: Tayler Cobb and “Kokanee”, Dagny Mactaggard and “Spiderman” and Sydney Shulman and “Set Sail”.

The team from Region 1, 5 and 9 put in some outstanding performances, highlighted by double clear efforts by both Andre Mershad and Sydney Shulman. The combined score of 13 faults for the team over the two rounds of competition was enough to earn the team the Gold Medal in the Pony Jumper Team Championship.

Mershad was asked if veteran coach Ken Smith had any advice before going in the ring for his second round: “Ken told me to ride at my own pace and be comfortable in the ring… Focus on keeping the jumps up and put in a clear score for the team.”

Mershad will now move on from this success by partnering up with a new mount for the show season scheduled to begin in Florida during the winter season, where he rides with Ashland Farms in Wellington. “It’s going to be sad moving on from riding “Little Freebie”, but I’m also excited to try new horses and continue to win in different divisions beyond the ponies.”

http://www.ashlandfarmsfl.com