OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s not every day a pony steals the spotlight in a world-class competition, but that’s exactly what happened at Live Oak International. A rising star named Halcyonia Mistletoe captured hearts and headlines with a commanding win, proving that big talent can come in small packages.
Janelle Marshall and Jackie Kane’s Halcyonia Mistletoe won the 3* FEI Pony Singles at the Live Oak International, which culminated with an outstanding performance in the cones phase on March 16, 2025.
“I’m incredibly happy with her and her progress,” said Marshall. “She definitely seems to be stepping up and loves her job. She’s a very talented mare.”
Halcyonia Mistletoe seems to take everything in stride, steadily moving up the levels, and it appears the sky’s the limit for the mare who possesses all the right qualities.
“We call her Sky, Sky is her barn name,” said Marshall. “We’ve managed to bring her along from preliminary to intermediate, and now into the FEI class. She seems to really enjoy it and loves to do it. She certainly wasn’t fazed by the atmosphere.”
However, it’s Sky’s intrepid demeanor, fierce determination and focus that make her a formidable force in dressage, on the marathon course and through the cones.
“She’s a very interesting mare, she always seems to rise to the occasion, and when she goes to shows she’s certainly fearless, which is nice,” said Marshall. “She’s developing nice in all three phases, very consistent in all three phases of the sport.”
Live Oak International is the only place in the United States that offers upper-level competition for both combined driving and show jumping at the same show.
“It’s an absolutely amazing venue,” said Marshall. “There’s no show like this in the U.S. really. It’s the one show that we train all year to get to Live Oak and work really hard over the winter. It truly is a one-of-a-kind show. It’s a privilege to be at a show like that.”