Wink And Smile Wonderful at WEF 3

What a week for Skyland Farm during Week 3 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida!The highlight was Emma Pell riding Virginia Bonnie's Wink And Smile to the Small Pony Hunter championship. The pair was featured in the WEF Press Release, published Sunday January 31 by Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.:

Emma Pell and Wink And Smile Victorious in the VisseWedell Small Pony Hunters

It was tough competition at “Pony Island” on Sunday morning as some of WEF’s youngest riders duked it out for the Small Pony Hunter championship presented by Visse Wedell. Emma Pell, who rides at Skyland Farm in Virginia, guided Virginia Bonnie’s Wink And Smile to the top of the class. The pair earned two blue ribbons over fences on Saturday and placed third and eighth over jumps on Sunday. Reilly Gogul piloted Sweet Oak Farm’s Mr. Magoo to the reserve honors, winning the handy round as well as second and sixth over fences and sixth in the under saddle.Pell has only been riding the 14-year-old Welsh Pony gelding for three weeks, but it has proven to be a successful match. During WEF 2 the pair earned two second-placed ribbons over fences in the Small Pony Hunter division.“He’s really fun,” Pell remarked about her mount. “He’s a really good pony.”“He is really easy, and he helps me a lot,” Pell commented about her catch ride on Wink And Smile, who she will continue showing until he is sold. Pell also competed in the division with her own mare Forget Me Not, who she earned consistent ribbons with throughout the weekend, including a fourth place finish over fences on Sunday.“It was really good competition,” Pell commented about the field of 18 she competed against. “I’m glad I was champion because I think he deserved it.”Trainer Denice Perry was thrilled with her student's success and the media attention she received for a job well done."I'm so happy for Emma and Wink," she said. "Emma is riding beautifully, and Wink has not put a foot wrong. He loves Emma, and she fits him perfectly. Sadly, Virginia Bonnie, his owner, has just gotten too tall so he's looking for a new home. The girls are friends, so it's nice that Emma could take over the reins while we are in search of a new home for him. He's a great pony!"Emma also had a super weekend on her own Forget Me Not. She was reserve champion owner/rider in the Small Pony Hunter section, and she won the WIHS Pony Equitation class and placed second in the USEF Pony Medal.Virginia, who is showing on the HITS Desert circuit in Thermal, California, this winter, also had a banner weekend. She was reserve champion in the Large Pony Hunter section on her Blue A Kiss and received excellent ribbons in the Children's Jumpers on her new horse, Blink. Congratulations to all!