Ponies From the Past

The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association's Wheeler Museum in Lexington, KY recently opened an exhibit, "Ponies Through the Decades." If you have a love of the very special hunter ponies that showed in the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's then this should go on your "to see" list.  The museum is free and open to the public.  The exhibit runs through September 23rd.

Here are some photos from the exhibits. I did not write down the names of the ponies, the owners and riders.  Some you may recognize.

The exhibit contains photos of the ponies with their owners and riders from the top shows.  Ribbons, trophies, coolers (some moth eaten), even a riding coat is on display from an earlier era.

Because so often the ponies have longer competitive lives than the horses, these top ponies were passed down to family members, leased out to multiple riders, or sold several times during their careers.  Many ended up being loved and cared for by many young girls.  I remember that in the 70's we never showed in saddle pads.  We had hard leather girths and saddles that weren't made of the soft French leather that we all love now.  Pelhams were everywhere! 

This one is from the Ox Ridge Horse Show in CT.

I love how the ribbons are displayed. Great idea!

Everyone wore wool coats with velvet collars back then. The collars are coming back but not the wool.

This is Paige Johnson.

Hope you had a nice holiday weekend. Enjoy the short work week!