A year ago, Carsyn Korotkin made her mark at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show by claiming the Small Pony Hunter Championship title. This fall, she’s returning to the historic arena with a new partner and a new goal, taking on the 2025 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals aboard Indigo van de MuggenHoek.
Korotkin and Indy, as he’s affectionately known, began their partnership just six months ago. Despite their short time together, the two have quickly formed a special bond. Korotkin recalls the moment she first met “Indy”. “We fell in love with him instantly,” she said. “He’s an extremely kindhearted horse; it was love at first sight.”
Indy, a 2013 KWPN gelding (Montender x Wranka D), has since become a beloved member of the Korotkin family. “We are all so in love with him,” she shared. “My mom is completely obsessed, and my dad knew instantly when we went to try him that he was the one.” Indy has quite the personality. “He loves grass, but can’t stand peppermints,” Korotkin said with a laugh. “But if you offer him a German muffin, he is all in.”
In preparation for the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, Korotkin has spent the season refining her fundamentals and focusing on strength and balance. “I try to do no stirrup work every day with him,” she explained. “We don’t jump a ton, but when we do, we try to switch it up and practice a lot of different equitation courses.”
What impresses Korotkin the most about her mount is his reliability and rhythm over fences. “He jumps a ten out of ten every time,” she said. “He’s so rhythmical and consistent, I can totally count on him.”
Korotkin is keeping her goals grounded but optimistic. “I am hoping to have a solid first round and maybe make it to the top 25,” she said. “He’s going to take care of me, I know that for sure.”
The Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final will begin Sunday, October 12 at 7:00 a.m. ET. US Equestrian members can watch the event live on the USEF Network for free. Coverage of the Final is brought to you by Hollow Brook Wealth Management.
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