Tonya Johnston describes Galactic as her “horse of a lifetime,” and it’s with that gelding that Johnston has been creating winning memories to last a lifetime.
Tonya Johnston and Galactic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
On Friday, November 1, after already piloting Galactic to second place in the $15,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby – Junior/Amateur earlier in the day, Johnston topped a field of 23 entries to win the second-annual 3’ DIHP Junior/Amateur Eq Challenge, sponsored by Butet.
Second place went to India Kulkin and Milan, and Honor Coulter and Elect rounded out the top three.
For the win, Johnston’s trainers at Chestnut Hill, LLC, received a $5,000 Trainers Bonus check.
Tonya Johnston and Galactic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“That was such a big draw for this class – that the trainers got a $5,000 bonus for the winner!” said Johnston, who was quick to thank her trainers, including Beverly Jovais, Leylan Gleeson Swift and Emma Guevara. “I was so excited. It’s so great to be able to give them something special. They’ve worked so hard and they’re such a great team.”
Before being named the winner, Johnston – and each of the 23 riders in the class – was judged on the flat, over fences and through additional testing of the top four. Following the conclusion of the flat and jumping phases, Johnston already led the way with scores of 79 and 86 for a 165 total. She then further cemented her lead with a strong test that included the demonstration of two simple changes of lead down the quarter line.
Tonya Johnston and Galactic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“It’s so nice to have a class like this that’s creative and different and had multiple phases,” said Johnston. “It was really, really fun. I did the derby this morning, and it was so nice to get to continue on to get to do something else. My horse gets the day off tomorrow because it was a good day! It’s just really nice to see them branching out and doing more things that are creative and fun for all of us to do together.”
Johnston has been partnered with her winning mount, Galactic, for roughly seven years, and she now focuses the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding primarily on special classes, such as those offered on Friday.
“We did the hunters for years; we just transitioned into playing in doing some equitation,” concluded Johnston. “I love feeling him have fun!”
For further results of the 3’ DIHP Junior/Amateur Equitation Challenge, sponsored by Butet, click here.