Sarah Magallanes is a Rock Star in the $2,500 West Coast Pony Challenge, Presented by USHJA Zone 10 at Blenheim June Classic III

Sarah Magallanes and Wellspring’s Roxstar. Photo by McCool Photography

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Following 30 rounds of small, medium and large ponies, it was Sarah Magallanes and Wellspring’s Roxstar who proved victorious in the $2,500 West Coast Pony Challenge, presented by USHJA Zone 10 and sponsored by EQU Lifestyle Boutique, at the Blenheim June Classic III, held June 28 through July 2.

After navigating a course from designer Scott Starnes, Magallanes and the 15-year-old large Welsh Pony gelding, owned by Kimberly Guichard, returned to the final round of the class on a score of 85, tied for the top spot with sisters Kathryn and Lauren Padilla. It was an impressive second-round score of 83.5 from judge Linda Hake that secured an overall score of 168.5 for the win.

“I think it was a much grander class than I’m used to in the pony divisions,” said Magallanes. “The jumps are a lot spookier and fuller, just very impressive, but my pony ‘Baxter’ is a very good jumper and a very good mover.”

Sarah Magallanes and Wellspring’s Roxstar in their winning presentation. Photo by McCool Photography

Magallanes, who trains with Christa Endicott at Pegasus Show Stables, aimed to put in a solid round and focus on keeping Wellspring’s Roxstar straight over the jumps. 

“He has a left bulge, so when I’m riding him, I have to make sure to get in my left stirrup and keep him straight,” explained Magallanes. “We were really working on that in the warmup arena, just getting straight, and that was the main goal when we went in there.” 

The win in the $2,500 West Coast Pony Challenge is a boost of confidence for the Rancho Santa Fe, CA native, who has her eyes set on USEF Pony Finals later this summer.

“That’s the next big thing that we’re doing,” said Magallanes. “I think I’d like to just get in there and try my hardest, and I want to get the best out of my pony that I can.” 

For the win in the challenge class, held on Friday, June 30, Magallanes received a $50 EQU Lifestyle Boutique gift certificate and a Blenheim EquiSports gift bag. 

Second place with an overall score of 168 went to Stella Rumanes and Naughty or Nice, the highest scoring medium pony, and Kathryn Padilla and Celebration secured the yellow, third-place ribbon with a score of 164 to be the highest scoring small pony. For full results of the $2,500 West Coast Pony Challenge, presented by USHJA Zone 10 and sponsored by EQU Lifestyle Boutique, click here.

Aili Viles and Christopher. Photo by McCool Photography

The West Coast Pony Challenge competition continued on Saturday, July 1, with the West Coast Green Pony Challenge, won by Aili Viles and her own Christopher. 

Throughout the pony palooza week at Blenheim EquiSports, all pony hunter class winners received $10 Mary’s Tack & Feed gift cards, and all champions were awarded embroidered tack room coolerettes, sponsored by Outdoor Outfitters; Pony Power custom bracelets from Jewelz by Eves and large treat boxes from Harlow’s Heavenly Horse Treats. All reserve champions also received Pony Power custom bracelets from Jewelz by Eves and small treat boxes from Harlow’s Heavenly Horse Treats. The Grand Pony and Grand Green Pony champions were additionally awarded Blenheim EquiSports gift bags and Riviera EquiSports leather halters. For all results from the Blenheim June Classic III, visit blenheim.showgroundslive.com.