HARRISBURG, Pa.--JJ Torano of Wellington, Fla., and Mohrsville, Pa. on Vitus K won the Individual championship in the USEF Junior Jumper National Championships on Saturday, Oct. 11.
JJ Torano on Vitus K (Photo by Andrew Ryback)Torano jumped clean in all four rounds of the three phases Championship.
Going into the final round of 20, Torano was second on .17, and he had to wait while the leader Violet Taturm competed, but she had two rails down, giving Torano the title to go along with his gold medal from being a member of the winning Zone 4 team for the third year un a row,
Torano was one of only two to remain clean throughout all three phases of the championship.
Torano and Vitus K also played a role in Zone 4’s victory in Friday evening’s Prix des States Team Championship, adding another clear round to the team’s winning performance.
“I knew the only thing I could do was jump a clear round and put as much pressure as I could, and it was super. There was a lot of emotions for sure,” said Torano, who said that it was the first time he recalls ever tearing up after a win, largely due to how much he values Vitus K as his partner.
“THIS HORSE deserves that win more than anybody," saidTorano. "He’s given me everything. He gave me everything that round. He’s an amazing animal. I can’t say enough about him.”
“We have complete confidence in each other,"he said. "This championship was always a goal for us, and it would mean a lot if I won with anyone, but I’m really glad I did it with him. This horse deserves that win more than anything. He’s an amazing animal, and I can’t say enough about him.””
Vitus K was also Torano’s mount in 2024 when the young rider earned his first of an impressive three consecutive team gold medals in the Prix des States Team Championship with Zone 4.
Saturday night’s title win only extends Torano’s run of success in Harrisburg.
In 2024, he additionally became the youngest rider to win the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final at the age of 14.
Kalea Iuliano of Santa Cruz, Calif.,, on Arlecchino du Soleil Z had a consistent performance throughout the championship.
A double clear effort in Phase II moved her into fourth heading into the final round, where she had a single time fault to br Reserve Champion on 2.86 penalty points.
"Coming into tonight, my goal was to have a solid round and give my horse a good ride,” she said. “We’re both new to this environment, and I couldn’t be happier with him and how much he has my back. He has the biggest heart a horse could ever have.”
Alice Goodwin of Henrico, Va., on Rockefeller G had 4.2 penalty points going into the final phase, and she went clean to place third.
"All I wanted was to have a confident round with ‘Rocky,’” she said. “The feeling of going over the last jump and hearing everyone cheer was so amazing. It’s a great feeling to be here, and I love him so much.”
The William C. Steinkraus Style Award was presented to Tatum of Los Angeles, Calif., who exemplified correct technique, sportsmanship, and respect for the sport throughout the competition.
In the Pony division, for the second year in a row, the Small Pony Hunter championship and the Knick Knack Challenge Trophy went to Lilly Ward and Celebration, owned by McLain Ward.
“Celebration is just the most special pony I’ve ever ridden; he’s so perfect,” said Ward. “We have such a great partnership. I love showing in the coliseum [at Harrisburg]. It’s so special.”
