Junior weekend at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show concluded on Sunday with one of the most anticipated events of the year – the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. A total of 157 athlete-and-horse combinations took to the Harrisburg Coliseum to contest the national championship, showcasing the highest level of equitation over a technical 3’6” course designed by Alan Lohman.

(Photo: Olivia Sweetnam on Efendi.  Photo:  ©Isabelle Whiteside_US Equestrian)

After two challenging rounds and a final test of the top four combinations, Olivia Sweetnam (Wellington, Fla.) secured the championship title aboard Efendi, a 2008 Holsteiner gelding (Ephebe F Ever x Legende IX) owned by Ashland Farms. Sweetnam impressed the judging panel, comprised of Ralph Caristo and Michael Tokaruk, with her poise and polished riding throughout each phase, ultimately earning top honors in the historic championship.

Quiet Confidence And Smooth Execution

The final test asked athletes to demonstrate their ability to produce adjustability and balance through a course which included two counter canter sections, a trot jump, rollbacks, and hand gallop. Sweetnam guided Efendi with quiet confidence and smooth execution, receiving the historic Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy. The top 25 athletes placed in the class were gifted with an ear bonnet and saddle pad presented by title sponsor, Dover Saddlery.

Sweetnam and Efendi have built a strong partnership over the past two years and showcased that connection through their winning performance. “He’s the best,” she said. “This is my second finals season with him, and he means so much to me. I’m so thankful to be able to ride him.”

I Was Completely In Awe

Her admiration of Efendi goes back long before they were paired by Ken and Emily Smith of Ashland Farms. She recalls watching Efendi win the medal with U.S. Jumping Team athlete, Brian Moggre, in 2018 as an aspiring equestrian hoping to one day compete in the final. “I was completely in awe,” she said. “He’s amazing. I am beyond lucky to have the opportunity to ride him.”

Finishing in second place was Parker Peacock (Winston Salem, N.C.), and her mount, Montverdi, a 2013 Westphalian gelding (Verdi x Nabresse M) also owned by Ashland Farms. Though new to the equitation ring, Montverdi rose to the occasion under Peacock’s guidance. “He just started the equitation in February,” she said. “He has a ton of personality, and I love him so much.”

The Simple Change Was The Better Option

Peacock reflected on her test and the thoughtful decisions she made which she felt helped the pair stand out. “I wanted to stick with the plan I felt my horse would execute the best,” she said. “With him being newer to this, the simple change was the better option for us in the test,” she said.

Rounding out the top three placings was Lily Epstein (Coral Gables, Fla.) and Charlie Brown, a 2016 Hanoverian gelding (Chaccato x Levade) owned by Don Stewart and Plain Bay Farm. Coming off a strong performance in the Turnham Green/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships earlier in the week, Epstein maintained her momentum with another standout ride, this time in the medal.

My Horse Is Incredible

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Epstein. “My horse is incredible. He’s always there for me and happy to go around and answer all the questions. Honestly, this has been a great day and a great week.”

Charlie Brown’s consistency and presence earned him additional recognition as he received the Doris H. Clark Memorial Perpetual Trophy for the Best Equitation Horse, marking his second consecutive honor as he was also named Best Horse at the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East last week. “There’s a real presence about him,” Epstein said. “I have a special connection with him. This first indoors experience with him has been very positive.”

Website | Schedule | Results