Malin Dycus and Keepin’ It Cool Collect Pony Hunter Championship at Lamplight Spring Classic III

May 27, 2022 - Malin Dycus and her pony Keepin’ It Cool saved the best for last to close out the Lamplight Spring Classic Series at HITS Chicago. The duo stayed cool throughout the weekend to claim the Pony Hunter Championship, while the reserve championship was presented to Kenley Osterberg and Rosewood.

 Malin Dycus and Keepin’ It Cool. Photo by: Alison Hartwell

Winning three out of four over fences classes, Dycus and Keepin’ It Cool stayed consistent to deliver stand-out rounds. They also competed in the equitation division, placing second in the USEF Pony Medal and third in the WIHS Pony Medal. Staying calm and collected worked in her favor while showing with Keepin’ It Cool throughout the weekend.

“Our goals were to find all of our distances and to really just have a good time. We just wanted to go with the flow!” explained Dycus. “I love his jump – I love that he is so athletic and the way he jumps is so cute. He is also very smooth!”

Even the division’s handy round was unable to crack the determined duo. With long approaches, rollbacks, and a trot jump the pair easily took on the challenge and was able to earn the blue ribbon. This is Dycus’ second year showing Keepin’ It Cool and it shows that the relationship the two have built together offers an advantage with more technical courses.

“I did the 2’6” with him last year and we are just building our way up.” With plans for the Large Green Pony Hunters at Pony Finals later in the season, Dycus and Keepin’ It Cool’s championship is a great reminder that the two are on the right track to reach that goal.

Dycus has enjoyed showing during the Lamplight Spring Classic, noting “I love that the rings are so big!”

Lamplight Spring Classic III has come to a close, but the Lamplight Spring Spectacular Series will get underway on June 8 and run through June 26. It is the second of five competition series at HITS Chicago, which features hunter/jumper action through September at the world-class facility.