BUZZARDS BAY, MA - 7/26/16 - Ellie Purinton wins the MHC Mini Medal at the Head of the Bay I.

Ellie Purinton took home the top honors in the MHC Mini-Medal on July 26th, 2016 at the first week of the Head of the Bay horse show series. Head of the Bay is a two-week A-rated USEF horse show held at Grazing Fields Farm in Buzzards Bay, MA.

Purinton was partnered with, Giuseppe, a horse owned by her trainer, Joyce Mersereau of Stoneymeade Farm out of Concord, MA. The two have been paired since the beginning of the year and have been successful since the start racking up championships in the Children's Hunter division.

When reflecting on the course designed by Wendy Smith, she said, "The course was really fun to do. It was a great start to this show. Since the course was interesting and fun it helped me focus and do well." The course consisted of many rollbacks, which Purinton handled seamlessly.

"I had to focus on being straight and making sure my horse knew where he was going through the rollbacks which I think was the hardest part for me." Judge of the class, Megan MacCullam, rewarded her for her efforts by placing her at the top of a field of 8.

Purinton is not new to the winner's circle. She, like our last MHC Mini-Medal story rider, Caroline Tinsley, has had much success in the Children's Hunter Pony ring with championships from HITS, Fieldstone and Cornerstone Farm. She was 2nd in the Large Pony Equitation Classic at Zone 1 finals in 2014 and was 8th in the MHC Mini-Medal final last September. Ironically, she rode previous story winner, Caroline Tinsley's mount, All That, to the 8th place award.

Her trainer, Joyce Mersereau is known for developing top talent in the Massachusetts area. In 2012 Mersereau received the MHC Person of the Year award for her positive support and many accomplishments in the industry. She has also trained students to many MHC Medal finals placings.

She will be coming back this year for her 3rd time at the MHC finals with her eye on clinching Mini-Medal championship title.

Congratulations to Ellie Purinton and her trainer Joyce on her win. We look forward to watching you at the finals this September!