The Onondarka Medal Final provides riders ages 12 and under with the chance to shine, and on Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, at National Sunshine Series 2, India Kulkin did just that.
Aboard her own Milan, Kulkin earned the win in the four-phase class, presented this year by CWD. For the victory, Kulkin was awarded a brand-new CWD saddle, along with prizes from CALLIDAE, YETI and more. Each of the top eight also received a wide array of awards, with second place going to Ripley Ehrlich aboard Quirin. Finishing in third were Kathryn Padilla and Elliott.
India Kulkin and Milan in their winning presentation. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“It feels really good [to win],” said Kulkin, 12. “I’m really grateful for my horse. He’s perfect.”
On her way to the win, Kulkin and the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood Milan kicked things off with a fifth-place finish in Round 1, followed by a sixth-place finish in Round 2. From within the field of 29 entries, those results put Kulkin firmly into the top 12, qualifying her for Sunday’s third round.
“I was really happy with how yesterday went,” said Kulkin. “I thought he couldn’t have been better I thought. Going second it was a little scary, but he was perfect.”
India Kulkin and Milan. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With a score 81.94 then earned in Sunday’s third round, Kulkin advanced to the work-off of the top eight. There, riders were asked to execute a test that included a trot jump and a halt along the far side of the ring. Fortunately for Kulkin, testing is something she has practiced extensively with trainer Rebecca Bruce Glynn and the team at Sunnybrook.
“I practiced halting in a certain place, so that was really nice that they included that in the test,” said Kulkin. “[Milan] is great at trot jumps, all that, so I thought that was a great test for him.”
Kulkin concluded, “I’d like thank to my trainers, my parents, my horse and Beyoncé.”
India Kulkin and Milan. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
The Onondarka Medal was established in 1962 with the mission of furthering principles of classical horsemanship for equestrians 12 and under. Previous winners of the coveted class include Mavis Spencer, Susie Hutchison, Francie Steinwedell and Lise Quintero.
For full results of the weekend’s class, click here. To learn more about the Onondarka Medal, visit onondarka.com/onondarka-medal-class.