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. Bunevacz piloted the catch ride straight to the top of the leaderboard, taking home the win in the 3’ DIHP Junior/Amateur Eq Challenge.
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. “So this was our third or fourth class together, and he was just so perfect, so amazing. It was a catch ride. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. He’s such an amazing horse.”
Their partnership shone through both over fences and on the flat. “The first phase was actually his first flat class ever,” Breanna added. “He was so amazing. I was so happy with that. I went in super relaxed, and I think he was super relaxed, and by that time we got to know each other a little bit better. I couldn’t be happier with how the round went.”
The DIHP Junior/Amateur Equitation Challenge is a highlight of the equitation offerings each week in Thermal, drawing talented riders from across the country to test their skill, precision, and partnership in the ring.
For full class results, visit dihp.showgroundslive.com