Custom Swagg Claims Top Honors at USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships, Presented by Saddle Lake Equestrian Center & Missy Jo Hollingsworth

Lexington, Va.—Aug. 27, 2025—Ponies were front and center at the Virginia Horse Center on Sunday, August 24, during the USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships, presented by Saddle Lake Equestrian Center & Missy Jo Hollingsworth. More than 50 entries competed for top honors and a share of $10,000 in prize money. Rising to the occasion, Custom Swagg (Telynau Royal Charter x Margarita), a 2020 Half Welsh gelding owned, trained, and bred by Nori Scheffel and piloted by Finley Scheffel, captured the Overall Grand Champion title.

"Winning Overall Grand Champion makes both me and my daughter, Finley, very proud," remarked Nori. "Custom Swagg was our first homebred, and Finley helped deliver him and has done all the work with him. We work very hard to produce well-rounded, safe, and talented ponies, and working as a team with my daughter is amazing."

Judges Kathy Newman and Chris Wynne were impressed by Custom Swagg, known as "Churro" in the barn, who delivered standout performances across divisions. The Kentucky-bred Half Welsh gelding topped the 4- and 5-Year-Olds 2’3” section, earned reserve honors in the 4- and 5-Year-Olds 2’ division, and helped rider Finley earn the Best Child Rider award. Capping off an already successful show, Custom Swagg secured the overall title and an array of awards from USHJA sponsors.
"Young Hunter Pony Championships was the last pony event in Finley's Junior career, and it's a huge accomplishment for her and this pony," added Nori. "It's always been her goal to be awarded Best Child Rider, so that was another milestone achievement. This show was bittersweet for me as Finley's mom, trainer, biggest fan, and the pony's breeder, as we close out her Junior years and she heads to college."

Hailing from Georgetown, Kentucky, Finley is no stranger to the spotlight. As the daughter of Nori, trainer and owner of Scheffelridge Farm in Paris, Kentucky, this was Finley's fifth time competing at Young Hunter Pony Championships. In 2023, Finley piloted Custom Vibes (Telyunau Royal Charter x Smoken Hot), a 2017 Welsh Pony gelding owned and trained by Nori and bred by Missy Jo Hollingsworth, to the Overall Grand Champion title. A multitime participant in the MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program and an avid catch rider, Finley once again showcased her skills by guiding Nori's homebred to championship honors this year.

"Churro has been an absolute pleasure to raise and bring along. I’ve had the privilege of being part of his journey since day one—I was even in the stall when he was born! Watching him grow has been incredibly special, and he’s been my personal project for the last five years," said Finley. "He’s the kindest, silliest pony you’ll ever meet, and I know he’s going to bring so much joy to the kids he works with in the future. He’s also the quietest young pony I’ve ever sat on and is truly a blast to jump."

The USHJA congratulates the following division champions at the 2025 event:

5-Year-Old and Under Under Saddle

• Champion – Orchard Hill Tip Top (Orchard Hills Fine China x Smoke Tree Going for Gold), a 2021 Welsh Pony gelding owned by Michelle Klopp, trained by Theresa Tolar, bred by Orchard Hill Ponies, and ridden by Evangeline Pirolli
• Reserve Champion – Enjoy the Show (Bridlewood Paparazzi x Ellie Saab), a 2020 Half Welsh gelding owned and trained by Maisie O'Neill, bred by Catherine Ludwig, and ridden by Libby Tallarico 

4- and 5-Year-Olds 2'

• Champion – Cherrybrook Crimson N Clover (Cherrybrook Blue and Gold x EMC Blue Clover), a 2021 Half Welsh gelding co-owned by Kara Scheid and Molly Banfield, trained by Cheryl Maye, bred by David Dowler, and ridden by Maryann Teuschler 
• Reserve Champion – Custom Swagg

4- and 5-Year-Olds 2'3"

• Champion –  Custom Swagg
• Reserve Champion – Cadillac, a 2020 Half Welsh gelding owned by Dotty Gray, trained by Maria Shannon, and ridden by Macey Kinley

6- and 7-Year-Olds 2’

• Champion – Royal Candyland (Telynau Royal Charter x Orchard Hills Fancy That), a 2018 Welsh Pony mare owned by Foxglove LLC, trained and bred by Missy Jo Hollingsworth, and ridden by Rome Rehme
• Reserve Champion – Loafers Lodge Switcheroo (Rosmel's Dressed in Scarlet LOM/AOH/AOE x Loafers Lodge Jazzaroo), a 2019 Half Welsh gelding co-owned and trained by Maisie O'Neill, co-owned by Alex Glasscock, bred by John Almond, and ridden by Libby Tallarico

6- and 7-Year-Olds 2’3”/2'6"

• Champion – Cherrybrook Gold Rush (Cherrybrook Blue and Gold x Mapleside Buttercup), a 2018 Half Welsh gelding owned and ridden by Scarlett Mortenson, trained by Dale Crittenberger, and bred by David Dowler
• Reserve Champion – Old School SL, a 2018 Welsh Pony gelding owned by Foxglove LLC, trained by Missy Jo Hollingsworth, and ridden by Louise Rehme

Adults on Ponies 7-Year-Old and Under

• Champion – Lottery (Longacre Showtime x Lizzie Quinn), a 2018 Welsh Pony gelding owned by Elisabeth Mesiarik, trained by Constance Mesiarik, bred by Denise Williams, and ridden by Isabelle Mesiarik
• Reserve Champion – SBF Say Cheese, a 2020 Welsh Pony gelding owned, trained, and ridden by Camryn Kraski

A number of special awards were also presented, including:

• Leading Owner – Nori Scheffel
• Leading Trainer – Nori Scheffel
• Leading Breeder – Nori Scheffel
• Get of Sire – Telynau Royal Charter
• Produce of Dam – Orchard Hills Fancy That
• Style Award – Louisa Rehme
• Best Child Rider – Finley Scheffel

The USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships aim to develop the Hunter Breeding sport and create opportunities for current and new owners, breeders, and handlers to showcase talented young Hunter pony prospects. The Championships feature competition for ponies aged 7 and under, with most sections comprised of a model, under saddle, and over fences classes. Classes are open to Juniors, excluding the popular Adults on Ponies division open to Amateurs and Professionals.

The USHJA extends a special thank you to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation, Manager Keedie Leonard, and Secretary Marianna Wade for hosting the Championships. The USHJA also thanks official sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti; presenting sponsor Saddle Lake Equestrian Center & Missy Jo Hollingsworth; supporting sponsors Essex Classics and SmartEquine.

For more information about the USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships, visit ushja.org/YHPC.

Photos: KMK Photos LLC