Junior hunter action for WEF 2 concluded on Sunday with the 3’3” Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, sponsored by Snaks 5th Avenchew. Over the weekend, junior hunters competed across four over-fences classes and one under saddle, but one junior truly took the cake. Lily Sonneborn, of Washington DC, and Juan Carlos, owned by Andesite Equestrian, swept the standings, winning every class in the division, ultimately claiming champion. The pair’s highest score of the weekend was a 90 in the over fences.

(Top Photo:  Cover – Lily Sonneborn & Juan Carlos, champions 3’3” Junior Hunter 15 & Under division. Photo © Sportfot)

This is Sonneborn’s first WEF season after joining the Hesslink Williams team in 2023. Like many juniors, Sonneborn is a student outside of her riding time, traveling back and forth from DC to compete in Wellington on the weekends. “My schedule is definitely busy, but it’s always worth it to come here,” said Sonneborn.

“This is my first show with him [Juan Carlos],” mentioned Sonneborn of the eleven-year-old gelding. “We got him from California back in December and he’s been nothing but great so far. He’s the same in the schooling arena as he is in the show ring and always calm.”

(Lily Sonneborn & Juan Carlos, champions of the 3’3” Junior Hunter 15 & Under division. Photo © Sportfot)

Following Sonneborn and taking reserve was Addison Slye, of Andover, MA, and her own Conrido. The pair secured top three placings in three of their four over-fences, their highest score standing at an 86.

WEF 3, presented by NetJets, returns to Wellington International on January 24. For the full WEF 3 schedule, please click HERE.