A visit to the newly named Wellington International during 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival week 11, GumBits owner Shereen Fuqua decided to take a golf cart ride to Pony Island. If you’ve never been to Pony Island, it’s incredible & adorable to see all the small children and cute little ponies training and showing with top hunter pony trainers. There was no plan, no appointments, just a visit to see all the cute ponies. And what a surprise to meet Lily Epstein and her precious Deja Blue. She was training in the warm up ring, when her Trainer Hanae Leeman giggled watching Deja Blue munch down the GumBits before going in the Pony Medal. Such a lovely round, and talented rider. The polite well spoken girl told Fuqua all about Deja Blue. Not once did she mention she was the 2020 USEF Pony Finals Champion for Grand Green Pony Hunter with her Pepsi pony. In fact, she too laughed answering questions about how long she has been riding ponies. Finally, after Lily & Hanae graciously spent time educating Fuqua on their background, Hanae politely said; “Ok, we have to learn the next course.” The next course! Fuqua was so embarrassed she held them up in the middle of competition not knowing they were not done. Even Deja Blue charmed everyone with his relaxing demeanor Lily said he normally is not so chill except after the GumBits. It was such a fun afternoon with all, the energy is infectious at Pony Island. The kids all huddle laughing and chatting, the ponies all coming and going for their different classes. Even the adults were amused and happy probably not to be working on this Friday. Except of course the Trainers who clearly love what they do. Hanae, just friendly and supportive, turned and said ; “oh don’t worry Lily loves talking about her ponies, and she’s a real pro.” In fact, she did come out of the ring with a big smile, Deja Blue looking at the GumBits lady for more, and Hanae just giggled because she had the GumBits in hand. Everyone laughed, smiled and went their way after Fuqua was proud to get super cute video for her Chat concept for the chewing gum for horses. The next day, it was clearly posted that Lily was first in the Pony Medal. Remarkable so unplanned, and such simple easy training treat to give to Deja Blue with positive results. It really is a nice little secret USEF’s official training treat, GumBits that riders & trainers are still learning. Watch this short fun clip of Pony Island and rest assured there will be more to come from this iconic spot.
