My Experience as the Ann Haller Media Intern at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

By William Coon, Ariatti Equestrian Center Pony Club Riding Center

William Coon, H-B Horse Management, C-2 Eventing, of Ariatti Equestrian Center Pony Club Riding Center in the Midsouth Region, has been a member of the United States Pony Clubs for the past six years. He is an avid eventer and is also a member of the United States Eventing Association (USEA). At age 16, William was chosen as the 2025 Ann Haller Media Intern. His original essay is available on the Pony Club Blog. Read about his experience as the media intern below.

During the Ann Haller Media Internship, I experienced more than I could have ever anticipated. I had the opportunity to meet top riders and their horses, the owners, as well as the officials running the event. As a longtime spectator at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, I viewed the competition from afar without considering the extensive planning and execution required to make it so spectacular. The internship provided me with behind-the-scenes insights into the operations down to every intricate detail of the event.

I was able to interact with the media team on a day-to-day basis learning about their diverse experiences, including attending the Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games, even organizing other prestigious shows. Observing how they worked as a team to guide press writers through the weekend, I quickly understood my responsibilities.

I shuttled the Kentucky Three-Day Event riders to interviews, which gave me a unique opportunity to hear the thoughts on their rides and plans for next steps. The experience revealed the focus and dedication of the riders, irrespective of circumstances, such as weather. Their ability to maintain concentration, care for their horses, communicate with their team, and engage with admirers highlighted the multifaceted nature of their roles.

All in all, it truly was the “Best Weekend All Year.” I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to look behind the scenes, connect with amazing people, and most of all learn so much about this event and the people who make it happen.

The Ann Haller Media Internship, provided by Equestrian Events, Inc. and facilitated by the United States Pony Clubs, is an internship for Pony Club members named in honor of the late Ann Haller, H-A, who was a member of numerous Pony Clubs, an instructor, clinician, National Examiner, and Chief Horse Management Judge. Her career was spent as an international press officer, USEA Certified Instructor, and an FEI Steward. Ann was named to the 2006 USPC Academy of Achievement.

William also discussed his adventure with USEA’s Lindsay Berreth on the United States Eventing Association’s website. Read the article here.

Further Reading

• What It Means to Become a Media Intern: From the 2025 Ann Haller Media Intern
• What It’s Like to be a Media Intern at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event
• What It Means to Have a Village Behind You in Pony Club  
• Reflections on the USPC Ann Haller Internship at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event