Copeland was one of 34 entries to contest the revered class at Desert Circuit 9, presented by Marshall+Sterling, and the 17-year-old from Clyde Hill, Wash., quickly took over the top of the leaderboard with a first-round score of 169.

Molly Copeland and S&L Playtime. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Following the unique format of the class, Copeland’s first-round score included scores from the two judging panels of 85 and 82, as well as two additional points from a third panel in the schooling ring.

All competitors are not allowed to communicate with their trainers at any point during the class, so it is up to the junior riders to determine their best courses of action – both in the arena and as they warm-up. The schooling ring panel may add or subtract up to two points based on their observations prior to the rider entering the show ring.

Molly Copeland received a new Butet saddle as the winner of the R.W. Mutch Equitation Championship, sponsored by Butet. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

With those maximum bonus points earned, Copeland and her winning mount, S&L Playtime, led the way heading into round two under the lights of the Grand Prix Stadium. For the second phase, the top 12 were invited back in reverse order of their standings to tackle a technical, jumper-style course, designed by Archer Bailey.

“The first-round course, when I saw it the first time, I was a little nervous,” said Copeland. “It asked a lot of very challenging questions. Going into the second round, I had high hopes in my horse, knowing he is good under the lights. I know I have reliable friends as well competing in the challenge. So, I really could rely on them if I needed guidance on, ‘Should I do an inside turn? Should I not?’ I think we both executed it perfectly. [S&L Playtime] is such a cool guy, so having him to compete with was easy breezy.”

Molly Copeland and S&L Playtime. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

With S&L Playtime on her side, Copeland again delivered, this time earning dual scores of 84 in the second round for an overall, winning total score of 337. Second place with a total score of 327 went to Lauren Padilla and Georgetown, and Brooke O’Malley and Quijote took third place on a score of 326.

“I don’t think words can describe [how it feels to win],” said Copeland, who trains with Parkside Stables. “I’m just so grateful for the grooms, my family, my friends, everyone who competed in the Ronnie Mutch who supported me and was with me each step. I’m most grateful for my horse.”

Copeland has been partnered with her 9-year-old Zangersheide for the past year and has nothing but positive things to say about the gelding.

“He was with me each step,” said Copeland. “I didn’t feel anxious for a second in the ring. I stepped in confident knowing I am well-mounted, and I think he did a great job.”

Also recognized on Saturday evening as an exceptional horse was Piper Kulkin’s ride, Halouet. The 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood was presented with the Purina Best Equitation Horse Award. Receiving the Best Turned Out Horse and Groom’s Award was Kipling, ridden by Bella Liu. For full results from the R.W. Mutch Equitation Championship, sponsored by Butet, click here.

Kathryn and Lauren Padilla were presented as the winners of the Barnstyle 3′ Team Equitation Classic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

The uniquely formatted class requires that one rider jumps a course of gymnastic exercises, following which the second teammate jumps a traditional, equitation-style course. For Saturday’s victory, Kathryn Padilla took on the gymnastics course aboard Georgetown, and Lauren Padilla rode Classified over the equitation course.

Kathryn Padilla and Georgetown, owned by Highland Farm LLC, started things off strong for the duo, earning a score of 87.

Lauren Padilla and Classified. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“My horse is really good at gymnastics, so we knew he could do it,” said Kathryn Padilla of the 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding. “I really liked the turns because my horse is really good at landing the leads, so I knew I could do some inside turns.”

Following Kathryn Padilla, Lauren Padilla and Classified then kept the momentum going, and they earned a score of 91 over the equitation course.

“I did my green equitation horse that we have been bringing along for about year now,” said Lauren Padilla of her 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding. “I just wanted to give him a good, confident round and be consistent throughout the jumps.”

Kathryn Padilla and Georgetown. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

With a total score of 178, the Padilla sisters clinched the win. Finishing in second with scores of 90 and 86 for a 176 total were Jamie Sailor on Alleto and Hailey Eynon and Castelino 5. Third place with a score of 165 (84+81) were the team of Denim Schneider on Inkell and Addison Cheney on Jelly Roll.

“I think it’s a great type of class to be able to go against the professionals and then also let the juniors have fun with the professionals or if you want to do a junior/junior or amateur/amateur situation, you can all collaborate together,” concluded Lauren Padilla, who trains with Paige Dendiu. “It’s just a really fun class!”

For full results of the Barnstyle 3’ Team Equitation Classic, click here.

A field of 24 professionals contested the class at Desert Holiday 1, with the top 12 returning for a second round. From there, the field was further narrowed down to the top four for a horse swap and additional testing on each rider’s new mount.

Skylar Wireman and Crunch K. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“This class is so fun because, as pros, we don’t get a chance to do [the equitation],” said Wireman. “I did get to do some of the eq classes this year because I was still under 21…but once you’re over 21, there are really no equitation classes. It’s fun because sometimes the pros have either a younger horse or they’ll take one of their kid’s made equitation horses and kind of go have fun. I love doing them. Certainly, there is good camaraderie around it; we’re all having fun.”

With Crunch K, Wireman led the way from beginning to end. Her first round in the Main Hunter Ring earned her an impressive score of 92, and she coupled that with a second-round score of 88 for 180 total, putting her in the top spot coming back for the final test.

Joining Wireman for the work-off were Marisa Metzger, Andrew Jayne and Halie Robinson. For the shortened course, Wireman was assigned Jayne’s mount, Leica.

“[Leica] is a little bit newer to the equitation,” said Wireman. “It was also a jumper. So, we were both kind of laughing. We both had big horses with huge strides, and they were ex jumpers. So, we just thought it was kind of funny. It was a super fun horse to ride. I had a great time.”

Skylar Wireman and Crunch K in their winning presentation. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Coming into the test, Wireman had the lead by an eight-point margin, and she held on to that top spot for the victory. Finishing in second place were Metzger and Cornetaro; Jayne and Leica took home third, and Robinson and Lifetime finished in fourth.

“I just want to say thank you to MJ and Todd for letting me always keep riding Crunch,” concluded Wireman. Crunch has been doing the eq for awhile, and I’ve always loved riding him. I can really rely on him whether it’s spooky or the turns on the test, he can do all of it. Knowing that I have every trick in my back pocket is a nice feeling. That was kind of why I chose to do him – and he’s beautiful and elegant.”

To learn more about all competition at Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.

The WCE Medal Final kicked off on Friday morning, November 14, with a power-and-speed format jumper course. From there, the 21 entries that completed the opening round returned on Saturday to jump round two, before the field was narrowed down to the top 10 for a final, deciding round.

Violet Tatum and Kruz. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

After the first round of competition, Tatum and Kruz, owned by Bridgeport Farms, LLC, sat in fourth place with a score of 82, but by the end of the second round, they had moved their way up the ranks to take the lead going into the third round.

“I’d say it was a good amount of pressure, but I know my horse so well,” said Tatum of coming back on top. “I’ve done so many rounds on him like this before. I was very confident in him.”

Her confidence was well-placed, as Tatum and Kruz had no problem at all holding on to their lead.

With the mounting pressure released and the scores finalized, the biggest thing on Tatum’s mind was gratitude for her partner. “I’m really just relieved because I stayed on top and didn’t make a mistake to cost me the win,” she said. “[Kruz] was so perfect. I was just really happy with how he was.”

Violet Tatum rode Kruz to the win in the WCE Junior/Amateur Medal Final, presented by the CPHA Foundation. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

Judged by Alan Lohman and Richard Slocum, riders were evaluated on the essential skills of show jumping, including technical merit and execution of an efficient time-saving pace and track. Exhibitors had to show their ability to meet the specific challenges of each course. The final round course, designed by Archer Bailey, featured a jump-off style course made up of just a few fences but maximum difficulty.

“I thought the course was a good amount of difficulty,” said Tatum. “I liked how the jump off was nice and short, just like a jump off. The only fence that I was a little bit hesitant about was just the black-and-white in-and-out. It was just a little shiny with the lights. The horses kind of peeked at it.”

For 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Kruz, the tricky combination posed no issue. The horse and rider are clearly close. After their round, Tatum took her time to make sure he was comfortable and gave him a kiss and several pats before turning her attention to her prizes. She first started riding the bay gelding in 2024.

“I rode him in his first ever equitation class. It’s been really fun watching him develop into such a nice horse,” she said. “He’s very slow, with a big stride. It just makes everything look so nice and smooth.”

Throughout the award ceremony, Kruz lifted his lip in a smile as they tied a wreath of red flowers around his neck and placed the winning cooler over his back. According to Tatum, he normally only “smiles” for sugar, but on Saturday night she said, “This time I think he was just doing it for fun.”

Reserve champion went to Olivia Aul and her own Iggy Pop. For the full results of the WCE Medal Final, click here.

For more information about the Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships, visit ushja.org/NationalChampionships, and to learn more about all competitions hosted by Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.

“I’m a little bit in shock, but I’m so, so happy,” said Strebinger. “I don’t think there is a better way to end my junior years than with a win.”

The Finals featured two technical rounds, with only the top 19 riders from the original field of 39 advancing to Round Two. After the first round, Strebinger, of North Vancouver, British Columbia, sat seventh on a score of 80. She returned determined in Round Two, earning an 84 for a combined score of 164—good enough to move her into third and secure a callback for the final work-off.

Savannah Strebinger and Gladstone. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

Joining her in the work-off was Violet Rheingold, of Boulder, Colo., aboard her own Cornetaro, who led on a score of 167.25; and Olivia Whiting, of Scotts Valley, Calif., riding her own Diamant De Cassini with a score of 165.

From there, judges Alan Lohman and Richard Slocum put the top three to the test on a shortened, highly technical course. Riders were asked to quickly memorize the track, which included a trot jump followed by a halt, as well as two lead changes on the judges’ quarter line.

When the dust settled, Strebinger emerged as the champion, with Whiting earning reserve honors, and Rheingold rounding out the top three.

Historically, Strebinger said medal final classes have not always gone her way. November 16 was the day that all changed. In the final round, she was the only rider to demonstrate flying changes instead of simple changes.

Violet Rheingold and Cornetaro. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

“My first round, I was a little bit nervous for the first jump, but after the first three I settled in,” said Strebinger. “I thought everything rode really, really nicely. Then going into the second round, I just wanted to have a nice, solid round to be in the top 12.”

Strebinger went above and beyond her goal of being in the top 12 slots and wound up holding onto third place. The final round of testing placed the riders under intense pressure. With only three riders in the ring, each of whom were fighting for the top spot, the atmosphere in the South Point Arena ramped up. Each horse and rider fell under the microscope with little to no time to prepare. This type of on-the-spot competition can test the mettle of even the most experienced competitor.

“I just really wanted to have a solid round, and I knew I’d be in the ribbons, which I was already happy with,” Strebinger said. “I just tried to breathe as much as I could, to stay calm for my horse as well, and then just tried to ride the way that my coach was telling me to ride. It ended up awesome!”

Strebinger’s bay gelding shone underneath the lights in the South Point Arena, as they floated through the courses, designed by Archer Bailey. A 14-year-old KWPN gelding, Gladstone is an experienced partner who has excelled with Strebinger in the saddle for the last three years. Prior to their partnership, the bay gelding spent most of his time in the show jumping ring and was only introduced to the equitation when Strebinger stepped into the irons.

“He’s just the best horse to be around,” she said. “He’s so kind, and he just wants to please you all the time. He’s not the easiest ride, but when you ride him correctly, he really just gives it his all. He’s such a nice horse to have in the barn. He gets treats before and after his rounds, which I think helps him perform better.”

While this marks the end of Strebinger’s junior career, she has determined this will not be the last she will see of the equitation ring. As a matter of fact, she has already been signed to the Fresno State Equestrian Team.

“I’m hoping to still continue doing the equitation as an amateur, and hopefully next year I’ll be back for WCE Finals. I’m hoping to do [the CPHA] Foundation Finals and all those fun amateur medals,” she added.

2025 marked Strebinger’s second time competing in Las Vegas. The unique venue and location contributed to her decision to choose the show as the endcap to her junior career.

“I just think it’s so fun,” she said. “Staying above your horse and having your horse in the same building is such a special experience. I was not able to go indoors or out east. So, having my own little indoor experience was really, really fun as well. I think Gladstone really, really liked it.”

The IHSA/USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal serves as a stepping stone for equitation riders, providing an opportunity to qualify and compete in a national equitation final at fence heights of 3’3”. The medal is open to junior riders, who have not competed in any of the following national equitation finals with fences at 3’6” within the same competition year, including USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic, ASPCA Maclay Finals, USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals, USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals (East or West), WIHS Equitation Classic Finals, Jump Canada Medal Finals or the North American Equitation Championship.

To learn more about the IHSA/USHJA 3’3″ Hunter Seat Medal, visit ushja.org/HunterSeatMedal.

Kathryn Padilla and Clio 35. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

For more than 60 years, the Onondarka Medal Final has provided riders ages 12 and under with a prestigious equitation final of their own and served as an identifier of talent from an early age.

The class kicked off on Saturday morning with two rounds of jumping competition, and Kathryn Padilla topped both rounds aboard Clio 35, owned by Highland Farm LLC. That put Kathryn Padilla into the lead as the top 15 riders returned to jump a third round on Sunday.

Kathryn Padilla and Clio 35. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“Yesterday was really good because I won both the classes, and I was feeling good going in today because [Clio 35] is so easy to ride,” said Kathryn Padilla, who trains with Paige Dendiu. “I was definitely nervous [coming back in first] because I knew that I had a chance, but I was hoping that I could push through!”

Push through she did, as Kathryn Padilla next joined the top eight riders to advance to a final work-off phase. There, riders were asked to complete a test that incorporated a trot fence, multiple demonstrations of the counter canter and a simple lead change, among other tests.

Kathryn Padilla and Clio 35. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“I loved the test because I could trust [Clio 35] on the counter lead because he’s so good at holding it; I knew that I could do it well,” said Kathryn Padilla.

Judges Diane Carney and Jimmy Torano agreed that the pair did it well, giving Kathryn Padilla the win – which included the awarding of a new CWD saddle. Finishing in second place were Ella Shatzko and Bennington, and Taylor Morrow and Qualisy took home third place.

Ella Shatzko and Bennington took home third place. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“I was really happy when I heard that I won!” said Kathryn Padilla. “I just want to thank my parents because they are so helpful, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

Full results from the 2025 Onondarka Medal Final are available to view here.

The 17-year-old from Pacific Palisades, Calif., topped a 46-rider field to be crowned the 2025 USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final – West champion.

“It feels really good to win this Medal; it’s been a goal of mine since last year,” said Tatum, who rode Kruz, owned by Bridgeport Farms LLC, to the win.

Violet Tatum and Kruz. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

The USEF/NCEA Medal Final is unique in that it is based on the format utilized in National Collegiate Equestrian Association varsity competition and challenges riders to demonstrate their skills over a 3’3” equitation course and through a flat phase. Following these first two phases, the top four are brought back for the bracket phase in which they switch horses to determine final placings.

At the end of Saturday morning’s opening jumping round, judges John French and Steven Rivetts had put Tatum into the top spot with a score of 90.

Violet Tatum and Kruz. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“I was really happy with my first round, and then the flat, I was a little more nervous because it’s not my strong suit,” said Tatum. “The flat ended up going pretty well, and I ended up making the top four which was nice.”

Joining Tatum in the bracket phase were Kathryn Padilla, Olivia Aul and Adelaide Ellis. Padilla and Ellis each took their turn on Tatum’s mount, Kruz, while Tatum and Aul were mounted on Ellis’ horse, Linford 9. From there, it was Tatum and Ellis who advanced for one final face-off course, both aboard Aul’s mount Copyright.

Second place went to Adelaide Ellis. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“The bracket phase was nice because you both ride the same horse that you’ve never ridden before, rather than switching on to each other’s [horses] which kind of gave a newer feel to the switches I’ve done before,” said Tatum. “I thought it was really good and fair.”

The other thing that was really good was Tatum’s final performance on Copyright, as it ultimately clinched her the win. Second place went to Ellis, and Aul rounded out the top three.

“I’ve seen Linford 9 around, but [Copyright] was a little newer to me,” said Taturm. “They were both very, very nice. The people who rode the horses and the trainers gave me kind of a summary on the horses, but I really didn’t want to overthink it and just did what I felt.”

Olivia Aul took home third place. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

While the NCEA-style format is unique for the horse shows that Tatum frequents now, in two years, it will become commonplace for her has she has committed to Auburn University’s NCEA team beginning in 2027.

“I’m looking forward to being able to get the experience of riding new horses and getting better as a rider,” concluded Tatum. “It’ll be really fun to be able to have teammates and be able to cheer your teammates on.”

To see full results of the USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final – West, held during National Sunshine Series 2, click here. To learn more about all competition at Desert International Horse Park, visit DesertHorsePark.com.

Nicole McMillion took those words to heart and did just that. The 21-year-old from Huntington Beach, Calif. moved from seventh place to the top of the leaderboard to be crowned the new 2025 champion on November 8, during National Sunshine Series 2 at Desert International Horse Park.

Nicole McMillion and Change Up PS. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“I’m over the moon right now!” said McMillion, who rode Change Up PS to the win. “It was my last year to do this final. I flew back from college [at Texas A&M] to do it. I think this is my fourth year now competing [in the Talent Search]. I’ve always loved it. It’s always been my favorite class to compete in, so it’s a true honor!”

The Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West kicked off on Friday morning, November 7, with the flat and gymnastics phases. This year, following a new format, each rider had to complete an individual flatwork pattern, followed immediately by a gymnastics test. Keenan and Torano designed the flat and gymnastics work to mimic what they themselves may do to warm-up their horses before a major competition, incorporating serpentines, shoulder-ins and trot and canter extensions, flying changes and other exercises.

Nicole McMillion and Change Up PS. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Following the conclusion of Friday’s opening phases, Katalina Raiszadeh held the lead, and Shiloh Roseboom and Sophia Blake sat in second and third, respectively. McMillion held seventh place – but with the most heavily weighted phase still to come, it was still very much anybody’s game.

Saturday morning kicked off with the jumping phase, where McMillion moved into fourth place to secure her spot in the final work-off. There, she was joined by Roseboom, Blake and Raiszadeh, as the top four each took turns competing aboard one another’s horses.

“We said in the early meetings, ‘Don’t give up, keep fighting, keep digging,’” said Torano. “I think everyone started to understand that.”

Nicole McMillion and Change Up PS. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Keenan added, “We really emphasize that this equitation final is meant to be looking toward team riding, and from our first meeting, we made it clear that when you make a mistake you need to stay on course, not give up. The [top] four we ended up with, they all stayed strong, as Jimmy said. If there was a mistake, they stayed on track. I think all four actually improved over the rounds.

“What stood out about Nicole was her riding of all four horses,” continued Keenan. “She continued to ride seamlessly, but she adjusted her ride per horse. That’s really what that test is about.”

Shiloh Roseboom and Zazou. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

For each horse that she swapped on to, McMillion earned the highest score of any of the four riders, ultimately securing her the prestigious victory. Second place went to Roseboom and Zazou; Blake and E-Up finished in third, and Raiszadeh and Cetello finished up in fourth.

“I knew that today was weighted the heaviest, and I think that this is probably the phase that the horse that I was on shines in,” said McMillion, who trains with James Hagman at Elvenstar. “I tried to just keep a level head and go into it thinking, ‘Alright, it’s a new game, anyone’s game. I just need to move up into the top four…I’ve been able to be in the top four one other time. So, I used that experience going into here, what I learned from there. That was quite a few years ago, but it’s always just so fun getting on and being able to learn new horses like that immediately and then go jump around.”

Of the four horses McMillion got to ride on Saturday however, there are none that she enjoyed quite as much as her own winning mount, Change Up PS, owned by Abigail Steller.

Sophia Blake and E-Up. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“He is incredible,” said McMillion of the 9-year-old Oldenburg stallion. “He actually won this final last year as well. I told Jim [Hagman] this summer; I said, ‘I’d really like to do the [Talent Search Finals] this year.’ We kind of put our feelers out throughout the year, and maybe three weeks ago, I was at school and Abby Stellar, the owner of the horse called me. She just said, ‘I heard you’re looking for a horse. Do you want to use Timmy?’ It was instant; of course you can’t say no to that! She’s so generous. She’s like, ‘I just want to be able to watch him, and I’ve watched you grow up.’ So she just, out of the kindness of her heart, let me ride the horse.”

McMillion continued, “I sat on him for the first time on Tuesday and immediately walked out of the ring and said, ‘That was so much fun. I haven’t had that much fun in a very long time! He’s just truly an incredible animal. He could jump the moon if you ask. He does all the things. He gives you the best feeling in the air. He’s easy to prep. I can’t say enough about him.”

Photoshop, ridden by Emma Whidden and owned by Don Stewart, was named the best equitation horse. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

For the win, McMillion was presented with the Denali Memorial Perpetual Trophy, and Hagman was presented with Leading Trainer Award. The Gulliver Trophy for the best equitation horse went to Photoshop, ridden by Emma Whidden and owned by Don Stewart.

Also awarded on Sunday, the Hollow Brook Wealth Management Sportsmanship Award went to Valentina Lehner. Lehner was recognized as an individual who personified the highest standard of integrity, sportsmanship and generosity throughout the competition.

For full results of the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West, click here.

Lauren Padilla and Dior P Z. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“It feels like a dream come true!” said Padilla. “I honestly never thought I would win a medal final. Everyone who has put the effort and time into helping me win this tonight is incredible. We actually weren’t planning on using this horse. He’s my 1.45m jumper, but I have a green equitation horse. He wasn’t quite ready yet to do it under the lights in this big stage…So, it was just quickly put together that we decided, ‘Okay, we’re going to do Dior,’ and he was amazing!”

Lauren Padilla and Dior P Z. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Padilla and Dior P Z’s path to the win during DIHP’s National Sunshine Series 2 began on Friday afternoon as 67 entries took on a first-round, jumper-style course in the Grand Prix Stadium. From there, judges Steven Rivetts and Steven Wall narrowed the field down to the top 12 to return in reverse order of their standings for round two under the lights.

“In the first round, we just wanted to make sure we were within the time with no rails,” said Padilla, who works with a number of trainers including Paige Dendiu. “Obviously it’s a jumper medal, so we were wanting to be kind of on the pace on a click – moving around the course, just seeing every distance.”

Padilla’s plan worked as she immediately took over the top spot, where she would remain through the end of the night.

Lauren Padilla and Dior P Z. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

“Coming in as the leader was a lot of pressure, but I really, really wanted this!” said Padilla. “I wanted to win, so I was like, ‘I have to step up to the stage, and I have to do this!’ My horse was amazing. He felt perfect, so I knew we could be as tidy and handy as we were…In the last line, I felt like the weight lifted off my shoulders. I knew he was perfect, and I could feel the victory.”

With Padilla taking home the win, second place went to Lily Grosz and Constable, and Jayme Omand and Edesa’s Donovan finished in third. For full results of the CPHA Style of Riding Championship – South, click here.

Thermal, Calif. – The athletes of the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West completed the first two phases of competition on Friday morning at Desert International Horse Park. A total of 22 entries completed their flatwork and gymnastic phases ahead of Saturday’s jumper course.

Katalina Raiszadeh (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) finished day one at the top of the leaderboard with Cetello, Zadie Stack’s 2007 Holsteiner gelding. The pair earned a score of 89 for Phase I and a class-leading score of 90 for Phase II. The scoring system for Talent Search Finals is weighted with a multiplier of 1.5 for the gymnastic phase, giving Raiszadeh and Cetello a comfortable lead on a total score of 224.0.

Katalina Raiszadeh and Cetello. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

The new format for this year’s final had each entry complete an individual flatwork exercises, followed immediately by the gymnastic test. The flat phase had athletes navigate through a pattern designed by judges Lillie Keenan and Jimmy Torano which included elements ranging from serpentines and figure eights to shoulder in, counter canter, and simple and flying lead changes.

During the riders’ meeting on Thursday, Keenan and Torano emphasized that the flat phase would not be judged like a dressage test and picture-perfect execution wasn’t the primary goal. Instead, the Phase I test was intended as an opportunity for the judges to evaluate horsemanship skills, specifically how they used the exercises to give their horses the warmup needed for the jumping tests that would follow.

Similarly, Phase II asked the athletes to complete a course that included multiple gymnastic lines. Rather than being judged as a timed jumper course, the judges scored the athletes based on their effective riding over the course.

All combinations are set to return on Saturday for Phase III, where they will complete a jumper-style course. The top four will return for the final phase, which will determine the final placings and overall 2025 Talent Search Finals – West champion.