Episode Summary
When we qualified for Pony Jumper Finals, I quickly realized that the official information answered plenty of competition questions but almost none of my horse mom questions.
When should we arrive? Do we really need a golf cart? What happens when we pull into the Kentucky Horse Park? How do we know where to go? What should we pack that no one tells us about?
So I invited Laura Greenstreet, mom to Pony Jumper rider Cora Greenstreet and founder of the Pony Jumpers USA Facebook group, to answer the questions every first-time Pony Finals family is asking.
Laura has been exactly where many of us are now. Even though she grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, she still found herself overwhelmed the first time her family attended Pony Finals. Since then, she's built an incredible community where parents help one another navigate one of the biggest events in youth equestrian sports.
Whether you're headed to Pony Finals this year or you're simply curious about what happens behind the scenes at a national championship, this conversation is packed with practical advice, honest perspective, and plenty of reassurance that none of us are supposed to know all of this from the beginning.
In This Episode
- What to do before you leave home, including EventPass and required health paperwork
- What to expect when you first arrive at the Kentucky Horse Park
- Whether you really need a golf cart (spoiler: probably yes)
- Packing tips that experienced Pony Finals parents swear by
- How to find braiders, bodyworkers, grooming help, and other services
- What first-time families often wish they'd known before arriving
- How to navigate schooling, training rounds, and the team competition
- Family activities and events you won't want to miss throughout the week
- Why Pony Jumper Finals is about so much more than ribbons
Resources Mentioned
Thanks to our sponsor!
Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply https://www.bigdweb.com/: Use code BHM10 to receive an additional 10% off your order.
Broke Horse Moms Links
Download the Unofficial 2026 Pony Jumper Finals Parent Guide at:
https://brokehorsemoms.com/ponyfinals2026
Connect with Laura and the Pony Jumpers community:
Thanks for Listening
If this episode helped you feel a little more prepared or simply reminded you that none of us started out knowing all of this, I hope you'll share it with another horse mom.
And if you're enjoying Broke Horse Moms, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the show and leave a rating or review. It helps more horse families find the community they're looking for.
