Jan 19, 2022

My Valentine Steals Hearts as the 2021 Pony of the Year

USEA/ Taylor Pence photo.

Sidnee Milner and My Valentine did not become partners out of sheer coincidence. The pony and rider combination that took home the 2021 SmartPak USEA Pony of the Year award were a product of the thoughtfulness and generosity of family friend and trainer Tawn Edwards. Sidnee was, at the time, a young and inexperienced child rider looking for a partner to teach her the ropes of eventing; My Valentine was a well-seasoned eventing pony who knew the job of advancing young riders well and was looking for her next partner. Over their three-year relationship, the duo have accumulated various ribbons and accolades together with 2021 being the most impressive of their seasons thus far.

Sidnee, even at her young age, has already had a crash course in what it takes to rise up the event level ranks as her mom, Halliea Milner, is the owner and trainer of Go With It Farm out of Sandy Springs, Georgia. The partnership formed between her and the Welsh pony mix seemed destined with the family’s close relationship to esteemed eventing professional Tawn Edwards.

“I was at the point that I was looking for a pony that could take me through Novice level potentially and My Valentine has plenty of experience with that,” explained Sidnee. In her time with Tawn Edwards, the pony had been the trusted companion of both Tawn’s niece and her own son in safely climbing up the levels.

“It was a personal gift for us to even have the opportunity to have this pony,” Halliea chimed in. “She is very treasured by their whole family and certainly was not for sale at the time, but Tawn called and proposed the idea to us. It was a huge deal for her to even offer the pony to us for Sidnee to gain knowledge on.”

USEA/ Meagan DeLisle photo.

Besides her extensive knowledge of the job, Sidnee says that it is My Valentine’s overall personality and attitude that has made her such an invaluable asset to her career and development.

“I think part of what makes her so special is that, on top of being very athletic, she is also extremely forgiving,” Sidnee detailed. “She is extremely kind and patient with all people - other horses, not so much! When you are riding her though, her attitude is very patient, and she is the type that if you mess up quite a bit she will just continue on and encourage you to try again. That kind of personality has been amazing to learn on.”

The duo have competed in over 30 events together since their official show debut in January of 2020 and raised the bar on their previous personal best of reserve on the leaderboard for Beginner Novice in 2020. The USEA’s new point system adds up points accumulated over the exhibitors' top six events to produce its leaders. Certain events such as long-format events may also count for more points than other regular show formats. With a busy season behind them, the pair proved they had mastered the level and emerged as the 2021 Pony of the Year leaderboard champions.

“I fell in love with her immediately, and have been so fortunate to grow up on her” gushed Sidnee. “She really has taught me everything I know.”

USEA/ Taylor Pence photo.

Sidnee has since moved on to another horse to continue her growth but the family has no plans of saying any goodbyes to the special mount. My Valentine is currently doing what she does best and producing yet another young, determined rider up the ranks under the tutelage of mom Halliea at Go With It Farm.

“I’m so excited for this pairing,” Sidnee added. “Her new leasor is one of my best friends and My Valentine has been so special to me- I know they will do a great job together!”

Apr 02, 2025 Interscholastic

IEL Rider Carolyn Rice Has Come Full Circle

Seventeen-year-old Carolyn Rice, a high school junior from Johns Creek, Georgia, has spent the last 10 years riding at Willow South Riding School—the very place where she first sat on a horse. What started as a casual introduction quickly became a lifelong passion.

Apr 01, 2025 Eventing News

Top Riders Set to Compete in Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

Apr 01, 2025 Sponsor

4 Things You Should Know About Your Coach

Trainers are some of the most important people in our lives. They develop our skills, ensure that our horses receive quality care, and look out for our best interests as equestrians.

Mar 31, 2025 Eventing News

In Memoriam: Margaret Good (1929-2025)

The USEA is saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret Joyce Good of Leesburg, Virginia. Margaret passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2025. Born October 8, 1929, in Clay Township, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Clark and Jane Pfiefer.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA