The 2025 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – West wrapped up on Sunday at HITS Del Mar Horse Park, celebrating top young talent in the hunter discipline. The prestigious event concluded with final handy rounds for the 3’6” competitors on the scenic Grand Prix Grass Field, while 3’3” riders completed their under saddle and handy phases to close out the competition.
Top honors were awarded across eight championship sections—four at each fence height—with Grand Champion titles given to the highest-scoring pairs in the 3’6” and 3’3” divisions.
3’6” Grand Champion: Jagerbomb and Violet Tatum
Jagerbomb, a 2013 Oldenburg gelding owned by Tatum Equestrian LLC, claimed the 3’6” Grand Champion title with rider Violet Tatum (Los Angeles, Calif.) after a standout performance in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division. The pair swept the classic and handy rounds and placed third in the under saddle, earning the top overall score of 261.0.
“I was really happy with my rounds this weekend,” said Tatum. “I just wanted to lay down two solid rounds, and I feel like we did that.”
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Tatum, who trains with Archie Cox, has been partnered with Jagerbomb—nicknamed “Jager”—for nearly a year. “He’s very obnoxious about his food,” she laughed. “In the show ring, though, he’s confident and never worries.”
Reserve Grand Champion (3’6”): Fable and Ella Dalton (257.8)
3’3” Grand Champion: Rosalita and Hazel McLean
Rosalita, a 2013 Dutch Warmblood mare owned and ridden by Hazel McLean (Vancouver, B.C.), earned the 3’3” Grand Champion title after winning the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 classic round and securing top-five finishes in the under saddle and handy phases. Their final score of 252.2 topped the largest division of the event.
“I came into this week with zero expectations,” said McLean, who was attending her first Junior Hunter Finals. “It’s Rosie’s first West Coast final too, so just having good rounds meant the world.”
Rosie, who McLean began riding in early 2024, also earned the Small Collection Perpetual Trophy as the highest-placing mare in the championship.
Reserve Grand Champion (3’3”): Exquisite RW and Chloe Eynon (249.0)
Full List of 2025 Section Champions
3’6” Divisions:
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Large Junior Hunter 16-17: Fable & Ella Dalton
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Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under: Positano & Slate Mellencamp Arroyave
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Small Junior Hunter 16-17: Jagerbomb & Violet Tatum
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Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under: Kaastel Hill & Baylee Rowan
3’3” Divisions:
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Large Junior Hunter 16-17: Rosalita & Hazel McLean
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Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under: Chinyero & Charlie Clarke
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Small Junior Hunter 16-17: Delegate & Naomi Ries
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Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under: Exquisite RW & Chloe Eynon
This year’s championship showcased not only top-tier junior riding talent but also a strong spirit of sportsmanship and dedication, setting the tone for a promising future in the sport.
