Continuing from our Day 1 post, we now move into the second day of Pony Finals 2022. Given the dust and debris blown around on any given day, I rarely swap lenses once I make my choice. Day 2 meant a lot of shooting with the 70-200 mm f/2.8 and its buttery bokeh.
The first step is, of course, getting to the ring. (It’s not really—lots of things come before.)
And what a ring it is! Pony Finals has been held in the Rolex for the past few years. In this flat class, the full extent of the space starts to become apparent.
Big classes mean a bit of a traffic jam getting in and out of the ring. This palomino circling while waiting provides a nice contrast: one forward face, while the rest face away.
Tom O’Mara, President of the US Equestrian Federation, was on hand.
A parade of riders matches the parade of sponsor boards and seats.
As with most horse shows, Pony Finals features a lot of “hurry up and wait.”
Lined up for the judges.
An exiting-the-ring parade.
What a proud face. The 70-200 mm’s bokeh is going to great use here.
I love alternate angles on posed shots.
A lot of young riders are learning to work hard at Pony Finals.
Though horses can’t compete during Pony Finals, there are still a few practicing around the Kentucky Horse Park.
The leaves really frame this rider well.
Back in the ring, we’ve reached the over-fences classes.
It takes a whole team to get a rider to the ring.
And sometimes some behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Decaseconds 