Adult Equitation made an appearance in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring on Sunday afternoon during Week 5 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with Brenden Weiss of Havenport, MA, and Monaco Optimus taking the tricolor in the Ariat National Adult Medal.

Photo – Brendan Weiss & Monaco Optimus. (©Sportfot)

Riding Monaco Optimus, owned by Maria Fernanda Gonzalez Jubiz, for the first time, Weiss scored a total of 89.1. Weiss was in fourth place after the over-fences round and made his way to the top by making use of an inside turn during the test.

“I did my best—you never know what’s going to happen or how it’s going to shake out. I’m honestly looking to have some fun, but a blue ribbon doesn’t hurt,” stated Weiss, who trains with his trainer Kim Buzby, of his goals for the season after claiming the THIS NHS Adult Equitation Championship in 2025.

Outside of the saddle, Weiss juggles a full-time career in medical device sales. He travels to Wellington a few times during the season to compete on weekends.

“It takes a lot of effort, but I think it’s something about the horses that I’ve always had in me,” said Weiss. “If you want it, you have to work hard for it, and you can make it happen.”

Taking second place was Matthew Lowe of New York, NY, riding Gagarin for owners Ashland Farms. Gigi Manigault of Charleston, SC, took third place with Illusion Imperio Egipcio, owned by Finally Farm.

For complete results of the Ariat National Adult Medal, click HERE.

Palm Beach Adult Medal

Continuing adult equitation action, Willow Vince of New York, NY, and Hardwell won the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal after a test on the flat.

“I know my strong suit is definitely the flat, and I’ve perfected my sitting trot. We’ve worked on that a lot, so I always try to be the first one in the ring and show that off,” stated Vince of her test.

As a senior at Amherst College, Vince spends her time out of the saddle working on her thesis on child development. “I have a great team. My barn is amazing, and my professors are amazing. I also made my workload, so I have classes on Monday and can come down here and ride,” explained Vince.

Outside of Equitation, Vince competes in the jumpers with her other horse and is placing an emphasis on having fun in the ring before graduating from college.

Earning second place was Lindsay Swedenburg of Scarsdale, NY, on Konfessions owned by Brookside Pine Farms. Third place was awarded to Raine Whitman of Wellington, FL, riding her own Miron 10.

For complete results of the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal, click HERE.

Full results from WEF 5 are available HERE.