HARRISBURG, Pa.--Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, Fla., and Lexington, Ky., won the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final over 157 juniors after two rounds and a four rider work-off on Sunday, Oct, 12 at the 79th Pennsylvania National Horse Show.
Olivia Sweeetnam on Efendi (Photo b y Andrew Ryback Photography)For the past two years, Sweetnam has been one of the four riders chosen for a final work-off, and this time, the victory was hers.
“This is my fourth time doing Medal Finals, I believe, and I’ve been lucky enough to have a really good go all three times,” said Sweetnam, who finished in fourth in 2023 and in fifth in 2024. “This is my third year in a row testing, and I’ve tragically messed up the test both other times. So, I’m really happy to be able to pull it off today! I’ve been wanting to win this final for a really long time.”
Finishing in second place was Parker Peacock of Pfafftown, N.C., and Lily Epstein of Coral Gables, Fla., was third
In an impressive, and likely unprecedented, feat for trainers Ken and Emily Smith, all three of Sunday’s top finishers train for the equitation at the Smith’s Ashland Farms.
Following the first-round course, judges Ralph Caristo and Michael Tokaruk selected the top 25 to advance to round two.
“For the first round, I just wanted a smooth, consistent round. I didn’t want many changes in pace,” said Sweetnam. “All three rounds actually were very suited to my horse, so I’m very thankful for that. Efendi is the best, and I knew that he was beyond capable of this. He’s done it before with different riders, so he’s really the talent in the pair.”
“I’VE BEEN RIDING Efendi for I’d say almost two years,"said Sweetnam. "This is my second finals season on him, my second year at Medal Finals. He means so much to me. I’m so thankful to be able to ride him. I remember when I was like 10 years old, and I watched him win this final with Brian Moggre. I was in awe. He’s amazing. I’m beyond lucky to be able to sit on him.”
Sweetnam was called back in second place heading into round two, and she held that position going into final testing of the top four.
Peacock, who had been in fourth after round one, was called back on top, while Epstein, third after round one, held third place.
Emi Richards of Middlefield, Conn., who was called back 24th after round one, made a huge leap up the leaderboard and was called back fourth going into the work-off.
Adriana Forte of Watermill, N.Y., .called back in first after round one, had a rail down in round two and dropped to eighth.
"Emi Richards was in a group so close together in our judgement that any one of that group could have moved up said Caristo. "Emi's second round was extraordinary."
This is the sixth or seventh time I've judged the Final, and this was the best riding I've ever seen," said Caristo. "The one I felt sorry for was Adriana, having that rail down."
For the test, Caristo and Tokaruk asked riders to compete over a shortened course that included two counter-cantered fences, a trot fence and the demonstration of a hand gallop.
Rcharrds, Epstein and Peacock all chose to walk and then pick up the counter canters, while Sweetnam landed on the counter canter and held it flawlessly and nailed each aspect of the test to ultimately clinch the victory.
"Olivia's round was just beautiful," said Caristo. "The counter canters she did was the difference."
Peacock rode Montverdi, owned by Ashland Farms, while Epstein rode her own Charlie Brown.
“I wanted to stick with the plan I felt my horse would execute the best,” Peacock said. “With him being newer to this, the simple change was the better option for us in the test.”
“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 won the Doris H. Clark Memorial Perpetual Trophy as the mount deemed by the judges to be the Best Equitation Horse.
“I thought, all in all, the field was quite good, but certainly the top ones really separated themselves," said. Tokaruk. "I thought the first round did a great job of testing the skills of the riders without being overly harsh and punishing to the horses.”
“All three of these girls had great days, and that’s why they’re sitting on top," said Tokaruk. "In the end, Olivia was the best, so she pulled it out and had three excellent rounds. Hats off to her and her horse and her team, and for second and third, those two guys also did a fantastic job. They should be really happy with how they’ve done.”
“This is the future of our sport," saidCaristo. "There’s nothing like it, and right now, I think our sport is the pinnacle of what it’s going to be for the future. I think it’s amazing.”
