Gladstone, N.J. – The 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East began today with strong performances through Phase I and II of competition. A total of 37 combinations contested Phases I and II, hosted at the historic Hamilton Farms, home of the USET Foundation. After a competitive first day, Eleanor Rudnicki (Conroe, Texas) and Qwantreau head into tomorrow’s final at the top of the leaderboard after earning a combined score of 239 at the conclusion of both phases.
In a change to the format from previous years, Judges Chris Kappler and Caitlin Venezia White decided to prepare a flatwork test emulating skills utilized in the ring before the start of a round to encourage suppleness and rideability. Each combination entered the arena individually to complete a series of flatwork exercises before moving directly onto their gymnastics phase. The flat work movements included collected, working, and lengthening of both the trot and canter, a walk and back exercise, as well as counter canter, and a trotting figure eight to finish. The flatwork phase called for each combination to demonstrate adjustability and rideability, while also laying the foundation for the gymnastics phase which followed immediately after.
Phase II asked combinations to produce a balanced and forward ride with accuracy over a series of set gymnastics exercises. Scores in this phase carry a multiplier of 1.5, with the highest score of the day awarded to current leaders Rudnicki and Qwantreau, a 2016 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Taran De La Pomme x R. Adermie) owned by Sadie Leon, who earned a 96 for their work in Phase II.
Baylee Rowan (Little Compton, R.I.) and Watermelon, a 2016 KWPN gelding (Connect x Happy Wiggy) owned by Missy Clark, follow closely behind in second with a total score of 235 after both phases and earned the highest score in the flat phase with a 97. Parker Peacock (Pfafftown, N.C.) and Caelus, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Casiro I x Eva) owned by Abigail Phillips, sit in third on a 234.5, after earning scores of 92 and 95, respectively.
Competition resumes tomorrow, Sunday, October 5, at 9:00 a.m. ET with Phases III and Phase IV. Phase III will feature a traditional jumper style course, set at 1.15m in height, designed to evaluate each combination’s technical skills, accuracy, and ability to produce a forward and effective ride. Scores from this phase are doubled, producing cumulative totals to determine the top four combinations. After the three phases the top four combinations return for a ride-off, where they swap horses and complete a shortened course to finalize the top placings.
Results, updates, and exclusive content can be found here.
Watch the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East LIVE and on demand on the USEF Network.
Follow US Equestrian
Stay up to date on U.S. Jumping programs by following USA Jumping on Facebook and Instagram and US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Use #USAJumping.
The USEF International High-Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.
