Some ponies have a special spark that’s hard to put into words and for 13-year-old Valentine Russo of Ocala, Florida, that spark is embodied in her multi-talented partner and friend, Major Blitz RSR. The pair is preparing to compete in the Pony Jumpers at the 2025 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall + Sterling, and as they get ready to step into the Pony Finals ring for the first time, they bring with them a story full of heart and hard work. 
 
Major Blitz RSR, who is known simply as “Major” by his family, wasn’t always a jumper. Originally bred for driving, the 2012 German Riding Pony Cross gelding (Makuba x Afire Divine Donatie) found success pulling carriages at Combined Driving Events in the Single Pony division, before a change in direction, and a fateful trip to Iowa, brought him to Valentine. It was George Dickerson, Major’s former owner, who first realized the pony might be destined for more. “George saw something in him,” Leanna, Valetine’s mother, recalled. “He knew Major needed a kid, someone to bring out the best in him under saddle. Valentine was that kid.”  

“We weren’t really sure how it was going to work out, but it did,” Leanna added of their spontaneous trip to Ames, Iowa. “Raymond Helmuth, who had trained Major, told us he’d never had a kid on him before. But Valentine got on, and they just clicked. He chose her, and she chose him.” 

Valentine’s equestrian career began with rescue ponies and self-made projects. She grew up riding out of her family’s farm, breaking green ponies from the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Missouri, and mucking stalls to earn extra ride time. She sold her four-wheeler to buy her younger sister her first pony so that she, too, could experience the love of having a pony to call her own and has always approached riding with a sense of grit and generosity. 

“I think I’ve always wanted to ride,” she said. “I started with a Quarter Horse named Blue, who was amazing and taught me a lot, but I’ve always loved the green ponies, especially the ones who need some fine tuning.” 

Major, it turns out, was the perfect match for her. While he came to Valentine with a foundation in driving, his under-saddle experience was limited. Their early days together were filled with many learning moments and slow, steady progress. “He had never jumped before,” Valentine explained. “But he trusted me, and we’ve figured things out together.” 

Over time, Major has become a true all-around athlete. From jumping and eventing to dressage, and even cow sorting in a rope halter, he’s tackled every challenge with heart. When the pair began moving up in the jumper ring, Valentine recognized a need to go back to basics. “We took a year to focus just on dressage,” she said. “We needed to slow down and connect more. He’s taught me everything I know.” 

That dedication has paid off, not only in results, but in the bond they’ve built. “He’s not just my teammate,” Valentine said. “He’s my best friend. He gives me confidence, and I try to do the same for him.” 

Her mom agrees. “I’ve watched them go from green and unsure to this incredibly solid partnership. They trust each other completely. When Major was scared of going into an indoor ring at the World Equestrian Center for the first time, he still showed up for her every day.” 

Now, with Pony Finals just around the corner, the duo is ready for their next adventure. “It’s a big deal for everyone that he gets to go,” Valentine said. “He’s worked so hard. I’m excited to bring him somewhere as special as the Kentucky Horse Park.” 

It’s safe to say Major isn’t your average pony. And with Valentine in the saddle, he’s proving that sometimes the best teams are the ones who choose each other and who never stop believing in what’s possible. 
 
2025 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall + Sterling Livestream 
The 2025 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall + Sterling will be streamed live on USEF Network. US Equestrian members, subscribers, and fans receive a 10% discount on ClipMyHorse.TV premium memberships. Create your free fan account now. 

 Learn more about the 2025 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall + Sterling here.