Ava Stryk and Gold Digger Go for Gold in WIHS Pony Jumper Classic
A Speedy Jump-Off Delivers the Classic Title
Ava Stryk and Gold Digger really dug in on Sunday of week three of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders. They blazed through two rounds in the $500 WIHS Pony Jumper Classic, jumping double clear and capturing the fastest time, taking the win.
Stryk’s biggest motivation was to simply give it her best shot, and the win was the cherry on top.
“[My goal was] to ride well and to try my best,” she explained. “[Gold Digger] is very predictable so you know when he isn’t sure about the jumps or is like, ‘Okay, I’ve got you’.”
Gold Digger definitely had her back, but her riding was key in accomplishing the level of speed they reached. Stryk knew as she was going around the Polk Ring that her jump-off was something special.
“It feels pretty good,” she said of her Classic win. “It’s nice to jump in the Polk Ring. Next week we are doing this class again and then at Pony Finals we are going to try our best then. My trainer Maggie [Gampher], she’s really kind and is a really good trainer.”
Gampher was thrilled with the result as Stryk came out of the ring. “I was glad the no stirrup bareback practice paid off!” Gampher joked.
Finishing in second place was Madeleine Warren with Gamekeeper, and Mattelyn Morrissey took third place aboard Kit Kat.
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Ava Stryk and Gold Digger Go for Gold in WIHS Pony Jumper Classic – Traverse City Horse Shows
