I Spy A Rainbow wins Devon Pony Jumper title

Emilie Rucci rode I Spy A Rainbow to win the NAL Pony Jumper class Sunday evening, which made her mount the Devon Pony Jumper champion.

Only two ponies qualified for the timed jump-off, and I Spy A Rainbow jumped clean in 30.727 seconds to beat Mist of a Champion and owner/rider Camilla Siekmann, who also jumped clean but finished in the slower time of 32.039.

Ever After and owner/rider Rachael Schloo of Mount Holly, who were the fastest of the four fault rounds, placed third. That effort, along with points accumulated in two previous classes, won them the Reserve championship.

"This was my first time at Devon," said Rucci, 14, of Pittstown, N.J. "I Spy A Rainbow is 9, and he's a homebred. My mom trained him, and then I rode him. He's very easy. He always tries really hard. He's very careful."

Rucci said that her mother, Diane, competes in eventing and dressage. The younger Rucci said she competed in beginner/novice in eventing at the New Jersey Horse Park beginning in 2011.

She started competing in pony jumpers last year.

"In the beginning it was a bit rough," Diane Rucci said. "They were both beginners, but they've pulled it together and made it here. So kudos to her."

Emilie trains with Amber and Tommy Harte of Brass Ring Farm, and her mother gave them credit for getting Emily so far.

Ericka Caslin rode her Rioletto to win the $2,500 Adult Amateur Jumper class with a clear round in 34.230 over Hannah Murrin on Valentina, also clear but in 36.078.

John White's four-in-hand coach won the Championship Drive-Off during the afternoon session.