Twisther and Reid Patton (Shawn McMillen Photography)

Upper Marlboro, Maryland - The course itself was the biggest obstacle in the $10,000 North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Challenge Cup Final Round. There were 30 entries in tonight's final round, which was held in jump-off format. There was only one clear round over the course designed by Steve Stephens. It featured wide oxers and challenging distances; 18-year-old Reid Patton was the only rider to find the key to a clear on Twisther, a 13-year-old KWPN stallion by Farmer. Vivian Yowan and Stone Hill Farm's Vornado van den Hoendrik were just over the time allowed to finish with one time fault for second place. Madeline Thatcher's fast four-fault round on Pony Lane Farm's Licapo put her in third place.

Patton, of Nashville, TN, started riding Twisther this summer, but she had never ridden him indoors before yesterday. “I was a little nervous because he’s so big and has a giant stride. I was a little nervous for this course, but sometimes I rise to the occasion. I knew I had to be aggressive.”

Thinking the course was “set for a very scopey horse,” Patton felt that it suited Twisther, who previously jumped at the grand prix level with Jonathan McCrea. “He’s a little over-qualified. He’s just really good at scoping over oxers, so I can really leg him over and he won’t run into the front rail. I think that’s what set him apart – his ability to cross these oxers.”

Despite being a stallion, Patton said that Twisther is very calm. “I’ve never ridden a horse like him. When you’re riding him, it feels like he thinks he’s on a trail ride. He just lopes around. He has a really good eye himself, so I never really get nervous if I’m a little off. I try and do my part, but I can’t be perfect all the time.”

About her win, she said, “I’m still kind of shocked. It hasn’t really sunk in. It feels amazing. I’m so thankful to Cara and Donald (Cheska). (They) couldn’t be here since Cara’s grandmother died right before the show. Tom Wright and Hayley Barnhill kind of came in (they are my hunter and equitation trainers) and trained me. I have a great team.”

For their win in the final round, Patton was presented with the Remy Martin Perpetual Trophy, donated by Rolling Acres and Melanie Wright. With her win in yesterday's first round and seventh place finish in Saturday's round, Victoria Colvin was the overall winner of the North American Junior/Amateur Jumper Challenge on Monsieur du Reverdy and was awarded the Ariat Congressional Cup. The Best Junior Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Back Country Farm, was given to Victoria Colvin, while Kelsey Thatcher won the Best Amateur Jumper Rider Award sponsored by Lyman T. Whitehead and Eight Fences, LLC.