Local teen equestrian earns spot in 2023 U.S. Dressage Finals

Press release from Pony Paddock

NEWBERRY, Fla. – Catherine “Cakki” Purcell, 15, and her 10-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Mystic Hazzard, recently qualified for the 2023 U.S. Dressage Finals presented by Adequan^®, to be held November 9-12 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.

The pair, who compete in the Second Level Junior/Young Rider division, secured their spot in the U.S. Dressage Finals with their qualifying performance at the 2023 Region 3 Great American Insurance Group/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Regional Dressage Championships, held Oct. 5-8 at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala. The event featured top riders and horses from Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Cakki, who lives in Gainesville and attends Santa Fe High School in Alachua, has been riding since she was six years old and trains at Newberry-based Pony Paddock, owned and operated by trainer Molly Cobb. Cobb is a USHJA-certified trainer and USDF Silver Medalist who has been teaching horseback riding and horsemanship for more than 30 years. “It is so fun to work with this partnership,” says Cobb. “Cakki started riding at Pony Paddock as a beginner. Over the years, she has shown the dedication and grit to become a lovely rider. Her partnership with Mystic Hazzard is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where it leads.”

Cakki competes regularly in dressage and eventing, which combines dressage, show jumping, and cross-country phases. She is a USDF Bronze Medalist and also serves as secretary of the Santa Fe High School chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA). “I’m so grateful to have such a huge support group that has helped Haz and me get to this point,” says Cakki. “It really does take a village. We couldn’t have done this without Ms. Molly and all the other people who have been there for us along the way, including Haz’s veterinary team, farrier, and of course my parents, grandparents, and friends.”