Junior weekend at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show wrapped up on Sunday with one of the year’s most anticipated equitation events — the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. Held at the iconic Harrisburg Coliseum, the competition featured 157 horse-and-rider combinations, all vying for the prestigious national title over a demanding 3’6” course designed by Alan Lohman.
After two technical rounds and a final test of the top four riders, it was Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, Florida, who emerged victorious aboard Efendi, a 2008 Holsteiner gelding owned by Ashland Farms. Judges Ralph Caristo and Michael Tokaruk were impressed by Sweetnam’s consistent poise, precision, and smooth execution, awarding her the coveted title and the historic Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy.
The final test challenged riders to demonstrate control, adjustability, and finesse, incorporating elements such as two counter-canter segments, a trot jump, rollbacks, and a hand gallop. Sweetnam navigated it all with quiet confidence, showcasing the strong partnership she’s built with Efendi over the past two years.
“He’s the best,” Sweetnam said after her win. “This is my second finals season with him, and he means so much to me. I’m so thankful to be able to ride him.”
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Her admiration for Efendi goes back even further — she remembers watching him win this same final in 2018 with U.S. Jumping Team member Brian Moggre. “I was completely in awe,” she recalled. “He’s amazing. I’m beyond lucky to have this opportunity.”
Coming in second was Parker Peacock of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, aboard Montverdi, a 2013 Westphalian gelding also owned by Ashland Farms. Though relatively new to equitation, Montverdi proved he was up to the challenge under Peacock’s guidance.
“He just started equitation in February,” Peacock said. “He has a ton of personality, and I love him so much.” Reflecting on her performance, she added, “I stuck with the plan I felt would suit him best. With him being new to this, a simple change made the most sense for us in the test.”
Rounding out the top three was Lily Epstein of Coral Gables, Florida, aboard Charlie Brown, a 2016 Hanoverian gelding owned by Don Stewart and Plain Bay Farm. Fresh off a strong showing at the Turnham Green/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships earlier in the week, Epstein continued her momentum with another standout ride.
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” she said. “My horse is incredible. He’s always ready and willing to answer the questions out there. Honestly, it’s been a great day and a great week.”
Charlie Brown’s consistency and ring presence also earned him the Doris H. Clark Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Best Equitation Horse — his second such honor in as many weeks, having received the same award at the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East.
“There’s just something about him,” Epstein said. “He has this presence in the ring, and we have such a special connection. This first indoors season with him has been really positive.”
Fans can rewatch the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final and the Turnham Green/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships on demand via the USEF Network, free for all USEF members. This year’s event coverage is presented by Hollow Brook Wealth Management.
