United States Eventing Association

Now On Course: Wolpert Gets A Second Shot at Pine Top

Macyn Wolpert and her pony 18-year-old Sport Pony Hallelujah were set to attend the Pine Top Intermediate Horse Trials (Thomson Georgia) on Feb. 11 with cross-county day happily occurring on Wolpert’s 12^th birthday.

Her father, Craig Wolpert, called Pine Top ahead of time and arranged to surprise his daughter by decorating Hallelujah’s stall, and he hired a professional videographer to commemorate her birthday run over the cross-country course. Her father also told Pine Top owners/event organizers Glenn and Janet Wilson that Macyn was anxious because she’d been having trouble with her pony. He was hoping that on Sunday Macyn would get around cross-country and have a great ending to her birthday.

Janet made sure to be on course to cheer Macyn on as she went through the water jump, but unfortunately, Macyn and Hallelujah did not make it over fence 1 in three attempts, so they were eliminated.

“I knew she would most likely would be devastated so I headed up to the start box, spoke with her father and naturally he was upset for Macyn,” said Janet. “As a grandmother, I know how upsetting it can be for a child to have such high hopes, and then get crushed. I have a granddaughter the same age as Macyn that shows so I know how hard they can be on themselves when a pony decides nope, not doing this today.”

So, in true Pine Top Eventing spirit, Janet and Glenn, after talking to the Technical Delegate, volunteers, and medic, arranged for everyone to stay in place for Macyn to ride the course with her trainer, Halliea Milner, after the event ended.

What followed was an incredible example of eventing spirit. Milner ran the whole course beside Macyn offering encouragement and support while her father, mother, younger brother, volunteers, event organizers, photographers, and Pine Top staff cheered her on and yelled out, “happy birthday” at each fence. Announcer Eric Sampson narrated Macyn’s trip and played “You Say It’s Your Birthday” by the Beatles over the loudspeaker.

Macyn completed the whole course with no refusals and finished successfully with a happy pat to her pony.

“I believe kindness and empathy go a long way and will hopefully foster the same in return. I’m glad we could play a small part in Macyn’s birthday celebration,” said Janet.

“I was very disappointed when I had the refusals especially because it was my birthday,” said Macyn. “When they said I could school the cross-country course it was a huge relief. Having my trainer run alongside me helped and hearing all the judges wish me happy birthday was pretty cool too! I can’t wait to try again. Pine Top here I come!”

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