William Burtard and Quicksilver Electric Slide Secure WIHS Pony Medal Win at Lamplight Spring Spectacular II
Wayne, Ill. – June 18, 2022 – Riders gathered at Hunter 2 during the Lamplight Spring Spectacular II to showcase their ponies this weekend in the hunter and equitation divisions as the summer competition begins to heat up. Many have their eyes looking ahead to championship events throughout the year, and the competitors in the WIHS Pony Medal were no exception. The day’s victory went to William Burtard and Quicksilver Electric Slide after they executed a smooth performance over the day’s course.
William Burtard and Quicksilver Electric Slide. Photo by: Stefanie Shaw/HITS
For the WIHS Pony Medal, riders were tested with a course that began with two single verticals followed by a rollback to the first oxer. They then continued to a related line before making another rollback and cantering the long approach to the last fence headed towards the gate. Each of the competitors tried to keep the inside turns smooth, while also showcasing their position and effectiveness throughout the round.
At the end of the day, it was Burtard who claimed the winning title aboard Quicksilver Electric Slide, staying fluid in the inside turns and maintaining an even pace throughout the course. The second-place honors went to Savannah Jurs with Beaverwood's Monarch, while Eric Edson-Merlau and C.E. Remarkable placed third.
Burtard was thrilled to earn the day’s blue ribbon with his veteran mount Quicksilver Electric Slide, an 11-year-old Welsh Pony Cross owned by Emily Elek-Burtard. They began competing together in January of 2021 and have been working to develop a strong partnership ever since, noting, “He’s been a really good boy to me. He’s one of the greatest ponies I have ever had!”
William Burtard and Quicksilver Electric Slide. Photo by: Alison Hartwell
William continued, “Today, I wanted to jump all the jumps, have a good pace, and showcase good form. I think it was the turns and turning well [that stood out]. I usually have trouble turning on the right lead, sometimes we lean in, but today we stayed balanced, and it was really nice.”
Lamplight Equestrian Center is a favorite venue for William, who commented, “I really enjoy the scenery at Lamplight. All of the trees and the landscaping – it’s a really beautiful facility.”
One more week of hunter action remains as part of the Lamplight Spring Spectacular Series at Lamplight Equestrian Center during the HITS Chicago Series, which runs through September at the world-class facility. Lamplight Spring Spectacular III will feature another $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, as well as the $1,000 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive, the $750 USHJA Green Challenge, and the Lamplight 2’6” Hunter Derby.