Sunday Spotlight: Strike Zone and Emma Rupinski

Strike Zone and Emma Rupinski jump stylishly over an oxer.

Spotted (pun intended) this week in the Roberts Ring during the World Equestrian Center November Horse Show – the super stylish duo of Strike Zone and Emma Rupinski. The adorable Strike Zone (Salty Eyed Look x Irresistibly Tough) is a 13-year old Pony of the Americas, owned and trained by Katana Kennedy-O’Brien of Wildwood, Missouri. Strike Zone and Rupinski competed in the Small / Medium Green Pony Division and the Pony Classic throughout the weekend.

Strike Zone’s flair reaches beyond just his spots.

On Saturday, Strike Zone and Rupinski competed in the $100 Small/Medium Green Pony Hunter division. The pair placed third in both over fences rounds and in the under saddle. On Sunday, the pair competed again in the $100 Small/Medium Green Pony Hunter division, delivering two consistent rounds and taking home third again in each. Also on Sunday, Strike Zone and Rupinski competed in the $500 Pony Classic where they finished 11th. Earlier this Fall, Strike Zone and Rupinski took home top prizes at the Brownland Farm Autumn Country show in Franklin, Tennessee.

Trainer Katana Kennedy-O’Brien owns and operates KEE West Farm out of Wildwood, Missouri. In addition to competing at World Equestrian Center, many of Kennedy-O’Brien’s horses and riders have competed successfully at prestigious competitions across the country such as USEF National Pony Finals, USEF National Medal Finals and ASPCA National Maclay Finals.