Perry’s passion for ponies produces pristine performances.
By Carley Gray, Intern, June 26, 2018
Cecelia Perry, 11, has already dedicated her life to the equestrian sport. And she wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Perry’s a top contender for the Washington International Horse Show Pony Equitation Finals.
Perry started her riding career three years ago. When discussing riding she says, “I absolutely love it”! Originally from Massachusetts, she and her family moved to Sarasota, Florida in 2016.
“My mom would drive me five hours a day to ride in Wellington. I love to ride so much that the five hour drive six days a week didn’t bother me. I would do my homework, make slime and watch movies to pass the time in the car,” Perry said. Her family has now relocated to Wellington Fla., so now it’s more convenient for Perry to ride, and for her mom, too.
Moving isn’t the only change Perry has had to make to get more time in the saddle. She also recently changed schools, and now attends Open Minds Academy, which is a home school so she has more time to ride and show. “I absolutely love it! Lots of riders go there. It gives me great flexibility so I can ride,” Perry added.
All the riding time has surely paid off as Perry recently placed 2nd at The Devon Horse Show on her medium pony Elegance or Ellie a 13- year old Welsh/Thoroughbred cross. This is one of Perry’s proudest moments thus far.
Cecelia Perry is all smiles after winning second place with Elegance at The Devon Horse Show. Photo provided by Cecelia Perry.
“Cecelia looks forward to each WIHS Pony Equitation Class and cannot wait to compete in the Finals on Sunday of horse show week. She loves focusing on her equitation and that each round is scored. She relates to this class because it provides her with a different goal, based on her effectiveness, determination and style.” said Perry’s trainer, Charles Moorcroft of Wellington, Fla. Perry will continue to reach for her goals; she hopes to show at USEF Pony Finals and WIHS.
Cecelia Perry and Elegance with trainer, Charles Moorcroft, at The Devon Horse Show. Photo provided by Cecelia Perry.
Perry certainly has an undeniable passion for riding: “I really love to ride and I will ride as many ponies as I can, even in the Florida heat,” she said.
Check out more stories on some of our top qualifiers!
Top WIHS West Coast Equitation Qualifier
Top Children’s Hunter Qualifier
Top Children’s Jumper Qualifier
Top Adult Hunter Qualifier
We wish Cecelia the best of luck in the Washington International Horse Show Pony Equitation Finals and throughout the rest of her riding career!
Check out more WIHS Equitation and Championship Standings!
