The Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals have a reputation of cultivating elite show jumpers. McLain Ward, two-time Olympic Games Gold medalist, and Lauren Hough, Olympian and Pan American Games Gold medalist, each won the Talent Search Finals East before blossoming on the world stage. Looking to follow in these footsteps, each of this year’s Talent Search Finalists earned his/her spot at the Finals by posting fantastic results in Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search qualifying competitions throughout the year. Thirty-three riders return from last year’s competition, including Caitlyn Boyle (Hampshire, Ill.), who finished third overall, and six other athletes who placed in the top ten.
The competition gets underway on Saturday with Phases I and II. In Phase I, judges will look for the rider’s ability to effectively prepare his/her horse on the flat. During Phase II, competitors will apply the skills from the flat to a gymnastics course. On Sunday, they will compete over a jumper-style course in Phase III. Phase IV, the ride-off, will follow, where the top four riders with the best three-phase cumulative scores will compete over a jumper course with his/her own horse, as well as the other riders’ horses. Following the competition, the French Leave Memorial Perpetual Trophy will be awarded to the Talent Search Finals East champion, the “Grappa” Trophy will go to the best horse, and the Leading Trainer Award will be given to the champion’s trainer.
Complete List of 2015 Finals East Entries
The USEF Network will live stream all four phases of the competition beginning Saturday at 8:00 a.m. ET. Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East Competition resources, entries, start lists, and results can be found at USEFconnect.com.