Gladstone, N.J. – The 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East concluded on Sunday at Hamilton Farms, home of the USET Foundation Headquarters, crowning Eleanor Rudnicki (Conroe, Texas) and Qwantreau champions after completion of the Phases III and IV.
The final day of competition aimed to test each combination’s ability to navigate a jumper-style course while demonstrating the fundamental precision and technique of the traditional American style of riding. Phase III receives the highest score multiplier of the three phases, with a multiplier of two. The course, set at 1.15m in height, featured a technical course including several bending lines, unrelated distances, and an open water intended to evaluate adjustability, accuracy, and time management. Rudnicki piloted Qwantreau, a 2016 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Taran De La Pomme x R. Adermie) owned by Sadie Leon, and maintained her lead after yesterday’s phases. The combination earned a jumping score of 90 in Phase III and a total of 419 at the conclusion of Phase III. Rudnicki proceeded to notch the highest combined score in Phase IV, earning a 385 to ensure the win.
Upon final scores being given by judges Chris Kappler and Caitlin Venezia White, the top four combinations returned to contest for the championship title in a final ride off. Lily Epstein (Coral Gables, Fla.), Baylee Rowan (Little Compton, R.I.), and Emily Jurnovoy (Woodstock Valley, Conn.) advanced to ride off, which saw the top four combinations swap horses to vie for the win in the prestigious class.
Kappler was impressed with the top four’s presence in the ring throughout the phases. “From the moment they walked in the ring there was a certain amount of presence,” he said. “They all demonstrated high levels of connection to the horse and incredible displays of horsemanship.”
Following her win, Rudnicki commented on the work and time she dedicated to ensuring she was prepared and confident heading into the Final, which has been a goal of hers to win for as long as she can remember.
“This is a huge win,” said Rudnicki. “I have been working and preparing for this championship for several years. I’m glad it went well, and I look forward to the opportunities in the jumper ring that this win will bring me in the future.”
Rudnicki plans to use this win as a steppingstone in her development of her professional career. “I hope this can open up more opportunities,” she said. “It’s great to be here competing in a place that holds so much history and with people that work with the teams regularly, as it’s one of my ultimate goals to represent the U.S. Jumping Team in the future.”
Emily Jurnovoy and Favorite Julius, a 2011 Danish Warmblood gelding (Favorit Ask x Parisienne) owned by Caroline Moore, came close in second place with a final score of 341. Baylee Rowan on Watermelon, a 2016 KWPN gelding (Connect x Happy Wiggy) owned by Missy Clark, brought home third with a total score of 314, followed by Lily Epstein aboard Charlie Brown, 2016 Hanoverian gelding (Chaccato x Levade), owned by Don Stewart and Plain Bay Farm with a score of 274, earning them a fourth-place finish. Charlie Brown also received The Grappa Trophy after being awarded best horse of the competition.
Rudnicki was gifted a set of Pro-Ice Freeze Boots and a Merino + ProSorb Hunter saddle pad from LeMieux, as well as a YETI Roadie 32 Cooler. The top finishers received a gift card redeemable for one item of their choice – a show coat, pair of breeches, or tall boots – on their next purchase at ariat.com. In addition, the top four athletes were gifted a classic jump pad and grooming tote from LeMieux, and a Rancho 27L Everyday Carry Backpack from YETI.
Also awarded on Sunday was the Hollow Brook Wealth Management Sportsmanship Award, which was presented to Clayton Farrell (Venice, Fla.), after being nominated by his peers and family members. Farrell was recognized as an individual who personified the highest standard of integrity, sportsmanship, and generosity throughout the competition.
Full results can be found here.
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.
