Why Ethel Came All the Way to Tulsa — And How She’s Helping Kennedy at the World Show
Ethel may not be competing at the NSBA World Show, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t playing an important role.
Katie Van Slyke has repeatedly called Ethel the “pony horse,” explaining that she has become an essential part of Kennedy’s routine in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
That left many followers wondering:
Why bring Ethel all the way to a major show just to pony Kennedy—and how is that different from simply lunging her?
As Katie explained, the arrangement started as a happy accident. But it has quickly become one of the most useful tools in Kennedy’s World Show preparation.
An Unexpected Opening for Ethel
Katie’s team had originally reserved a stall for Weezy, who they hoped would attend the show.
When Weezy was injured and could no longer make the trip, that left them with an extra stall that had already been paid for.
Rather than let it go unused, they decided to bring Ethel.
Kennedy and Ethel already knew each other well. The two mares lived together in the broodmare pasture last year, making Ethel a familiar and trusted companion.
That relationship helped make the decision feel like a natural one.
Kennedy Is the “Energizer Bunny”
Kennedy apparently has no shortage of energy.
Katie affectionately described her as the “Energizer Bunny” and even compared her to the equine version of a child who needs to run around before being able to settle down and focus.
Kennedy doesn’t only need physical exercise. She also benefits from activity that keeps her mind engaged.
That is where ponying comes in.
With Stephanie riding Ethel and leading Kennedy alongside her, Kennedy can travel around the entire arena and get a proper workout without carrying a rider.
The exercise helps maintain her fitness, burns off some of that seemingly endless energy and gives her more mental stimulation than repeatedly circling on a lunge line.
Why Ponying Can Be Better Than Lunging
Lunging involves placing a horse on a long line and having it move in a circle around the handler.
It is convenient, requires little equipment and eliminates the expense of bringing a second horse to the show.
However, continuously working in a relatively small circle can place more strain on a horse’s body and joints.
Ponying allows Kennedy to use the whole arena instead.
She can travel along straighter lines and wider turns while still getting the exercise she needs. Katie said the arrangement has been easier on Kennedy’s body while also giving her something more mentally interesting to do.
Space is another consideration at a show this large.
The arenas can become extremely crowded with people trying to ride, making it difficult to find a safe opportunity to lunge. Trainers may need to wait until very early in the morning or late at night before the traffic finally settles down.
Ponying is commonly used at larger shows for exactly these reasons, although some horses may benefit from a combination of ponying and lunging.
It Takes the Right Team
Although ponying has worked beautifully for Kennedy, Katie acknowledged that it isn’t practical for every horse or every show.
Bringing another horse means paying for another stall and transporting an additional animal. It also requires a dependable horse that is comfortable being ridden beside another horse—and knows how to perform the job safely.
Fortunately, Ethel checks those boxes.
She is comfortable to ride, has a calm disposition and already shares a close relationship with Kennedy.
Stephanie has also taken on the role of Ethel’s rider, often completing their sessions early in the morning or late at night. That timing is why followers haven’t seen much of the duo’s daily routine until now.
The Cutest Duo in Tulsa
What began as a practical use for an already-reserved stall has turned into a valuable part of Kennedy’s World Show experience.
Ethel may not be chasing a title of her own, but she is helping Kennedy stay fit, focused and prepared.
It may not be feasible to bring her to every future competition, yet this particular arrangement could hardly have worked out better.
Katie is grateful for Ethel the pony horse—and for Stephanie, the dedicated pony rider making those early mornings and late nights possible.
And beyond all the practical benefits, there is one other undeniable advantage:
Ethel and Kennedy look absolutely majestic together.
They may just be the cutest little duo in Tulsa. 🐴❤️
