US Equestrian is excited to share updates to the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, including a new horse inspection and revised format for the flat and gymnastics phases.
Talent Search Finals – East will take place October 3-5, 2025, at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey. Judges include Olympic gold medalist Chris Kappler and ‘R’ judge Caitlin Venezia White. The event kicks off on Friday with a rider meeting at 10:00 a.m. ET, followed by a horse inspection at noon and a schooling class at 2:00 p.m.
On Saturday, athletes will complete the flat and gymnastics phases with a new format: the flat phase will be performed individually, featuring a set series of exercises to prepare the horse for the immediate gymnastics phase that follows. Sunday will feature the third phase—a judge-designed course starting at 9:00 a.m. ET—followed by a final ride-off at 1:00 p.m., where the top four riders swap horses and tackle a shortened course to determine the winner.
Talent Search Finals – West will be held November 7-9, 2025, at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. Judges Jimmy Torano and Lillie Keenan will oversee the competition. The schedule mirrors the East Finals, beginning with the rider meeting, horse inspection, and schooling class on Thursday. Friday will see the flat and gymnastics phases, and Saturday will host phases three and four, concluding with the ride-off to crown the West Coast champion. Official start times will be announced soon.
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The Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program has been instrumental in developing top young riders, many of whom have advanced to represent the United States on senior teams, including Olympians Lauren Hough, Beezie Madden, McLain Ward, and Jessica Springsteen.
Entry deadlines are Friday, September 5 for the East Finals, and Monday, October 20 for the West Finals.
