Watching Breanna Bunevacz ride Pennywise around the Main Hunter Ring at Desert International Horse Park, one would never guess that Bunevacz just sat on the 9-year-old Zangersheide gelding for the first time this week. On Friday, October 31, Bunevacz piloted the catch ride straight to the top of the leaderboard, taking home the win in the 3’ DIHP Junior/Amateur Eq Challenge, sponsored by Butet.
Breanna Bunevacz and Pennywise. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
As the winning trainers, the team from Ingenium Farm also received a $5,000 trainer bonus check.
“We were here yesterday; I got to know him,” said Bunevacz of Pennywise. “So, this was our third or fourth class together, and he was just so perfect, so amazing. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. He’s such an amazing horse.”
Breanna Bunevacz and Pennywise. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Pennywise allowed Bunevacz’s abilities to shine both in the opening flat phase and then in the over fences phase of the class.
“The first phase was actually his first flat class ever,” Bunevacz said. “He was so amazing. I was so happy with that. I went in super relaxed, and I think he was super relaxed. By that time, we got to know each other a little bit better. I couldn’t be happier with how the round went.”
Breanna Bunevacz and Pennywise. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With Bunevacz taking the win, second place went to Hannah Hutter aboard Cingsley, and Blake Lindsley and Zeppelin RW finished in third. For full results of the 3’ DIHP Junior/Amateur Eq Challenge, sponsored by Butet, click here.