THERMAL, Calif. – National Sunshine Series 2 at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif., will likely go down as a great week to remember for the Padilla sisters. On Friday, November 7, Lauren Padilla topped the CPHA Style of Riding Championship – South, and on Saturday and Sunday, it was her sister, Kathryn Padilla’s, time to shine. Following four rounds of competition, Kathryn Padilla took home the win in the Onondarka Medal Final, presented by CWD.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.