07/17/2026
🐴2026 POAC National Congress 🐴
Rikki Despenas & RPR’S Impulsive Superman “Manny”
Owned by Jess Drish-Kata ❤️
Some moments in life come full circle in ways you could never have imagined.
Manny is a horse I’ll always hold close to my heart. I had the privilege of training and showing him throughout his young career, and when Rikki was just three weeks old, I won the McLaren Futurity aboard him. Never in a million years did I imagine that years later I’d be standing at the gate, cheering on my own daughter as she rode that very same horse.
2026 results-
🏆 Unanimous Congress Champion – 10–13 Trail
🏆 Unanimous Congress Champion – 10–13 Hunt Seat Equitation
🏆 Unanimous Congress Champion – 10–13 Western Riding
🏆 Congress Champion – 10–13 Horsemanship
🏆 Congress Champion – 13 & Under Ranch Riding
🏆 Congress Champion – 10–13 Reining
🥈 Reserve Congress Champion – 10–13 Western Pleasure
🥈 Reserve Congress Champion – 10–13 Ba****ck Horsemanship
🥈 Reserve Congress Champion – Senior Reining
🥈 Reserve Congress Champion – 10–13 Hunter Under Saddle
🥉 Top 3 – 10–13 Hunter Over Fences
🥉 Top 3 – 10–13 Hunter Hack
⭐ High Point Equitation
⭐ High Point Non-Timed
Manny is truly one of a kind. He has the talent to excel in nearly every event, but what makes him so extraordinary is his heart. He gives everything he has for his rider, never says no, and has taught so many young people what a great horse can be.
A special thank you to Jess Drish-Kata for allowing Rikki the opportunity to show Manny. Your trust and generosity have meant more than words can express. You’ve helped create memories our family will cherish forever.
I’m incredibly proud of Rikki—not just for the titles she earned, but for the horsewoman she’s becoming. And Manny… thank you for continuing to prove that the greatest horses leave a legacy far beyond the show pen. ❤️💙❤️💙
