ASHVILLE, N.C. —JULY 20, 2007—It was a big day for little riders during the Supreme Kahuna Pony Classic held week I of the Biltmore Estate Summer Classic. More than 70 riders competed for the ultimate title, but when the scores were finally tallied it was Lucille Oken, of Charlotte, N.C. and her pony Hi Lite who were crowned both Small Pony Supreme Kahuna and the ultimate Most Supreme Grand Kahuna Pony Rider.
The young riders were scored in four classes: The pony model, two classic rounds, and the hack. Of the champions and reserves in each size divisions, one Supreme Kahuna was named and then the highest score of all was then awarded Most Supreme Grand Kahuna.
“Hi Lite was sooo good,” said an exuberant Lucie Oken of her mount of two nearly two years. “I love Hi Lite! The first day, the courses were pretty tough,” she noted, “the lines were pretty forward and they were set at challenging angles. But it was really fun.” And her 9-year-old chestnut pony, with which Oken had top 10 scores in all her classes at the recent Devon Horse Show, rose to the occasion. “Normally lines are pretty slow for Hi Lite, so it was fun to take on a different kind of course,” said Oken. “Also, it was on grass, and some ponies can be so much different on grass.” Fortunately, Hi Lite just turned out to be better.
Oken, 11, and her sister Alise, 16, (who earned the Supreme Kahuna title in the Small- Medium Green ponies with the Oken’s pony Showtime) both train with Robert Hunt of the Monroe, N.C.-based Hunters Lane Farm. The Oken family bought Hi Lite from Sanford, Fl.-based trainer Bill Schaub.
Lucie attributed her recent successes to her at home work with Hunt and Hunters Lane’s Steven Heinecke. “I think I just worked on a lot of stuff recently, fixing details—the tiny details—that still count. I’ve become a better rider. I owe a lot to both my trainers, Robbie and Steve, they’ve helped me so much.” Hunt has also helped keep a grueling show schedule enjoyable. “He’s great with taking off the pressure,” said Oken. “Before a class, Robbie always just says ‘have fun’ He never says, ‘go in there and win the class,’” she added, suddenly pausing. “Well sometimes he does.”
Each Supreme Kahuna winner was presented with a custom Essex shirt, a gift certificate from the Farm House, and will be featured in a future ad in The Chronicle of the Horse courtesy of Flashpoint Media Services. Oken was also happy to receive a “pretty cooler and a cookie jar, because that’s really good for treats, and all my ponies love treats.”
Oken is looking forward to continued competition during Week II of Biltmore aboard Hi Lite and her other ponies Gigi and In Style.
The Biltmore Estate Summer Classic, held on the grounds of the French Renaissance-inspired chateau built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, is presented by the Classic Company and will continue through July 29, with a thrilling $25,000 Grand Prix each Saturday. Tickets to the Biltmore grounds (featuring a house tour, access to the gardens, winery, restaurants, and shops, as well as parking) include admission to the horse-show events and can be purchased at the gate or online at www.biltmoreestate.com. For pricing information contact the estate at 800-624-1575 or 828-225-1333.
Flashpoint Media Services, based in Harrodsburg, KY, is a comprehensive public relations firm specializing in the equestrian sports. For additional information contact Robbi Meisel, 859-734 3713, [email protected] or Cynthia Grisolia, 347-423 7322, [email protected].
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