USHJA Hunter Team Challenge Concludes with Success Across Central, Northeast, West, and Southeast Regions

Lexington, Ky.—Nov. 26, 2024—In its fourth year, the USHJA Hunter Team Challenge concluded after more than 130 riders spanning across 36 teams vied for medals across the Central, Northeast, West, and Southeast regions of the country. 

"Winning a gold medal and standing on the podium with my teammates was such a proud moment—it felt like we won the Olympics," exclaimed Harrison Collier, a gold medalist in the Southeast Challenge. "From our ponies and horses standing proudly in their coolers to the cheers of the crowd, it was a celebration of teamwork. This experience has made me even more excited for team riding in college and throughout my career. If you’re thinking about doing the [Hunter] Team Challenge next year, go for it! It’s not about the placing; it’s about the laughs, the bonds, and the unforgettable memories with your team."

The Central Challenge saw 11 teams compete and was held July 17-21 at Lamplight Summertime III in Wayne, Illinois. 

Gold Medal Team

• Alita Liggett of Marengo, Illinois, with Sirena Liggett's Beau-Cephus
• Maeve O'Sullivan of Chicago, Illinois, aboard Diane Carpenter's Bentley
• Avery Roper of Hobart, Indiana, and Samantha Roper's Caspen
• Ann Shannon Cassidy of Tulsa, Oklahoma, riding Oxford Holding Company LLC's Boca's In Pursuit 

Silver Medal Team

• Jessica Bertoglio of South Barrington, Illinois, and Craker Jack Z, owned by NCE Equestrian
• Eilah Epstein of Beachwood, Ohio, and her own Dolphin Blue
• Aubrey Podojil of Downers Grove, Illinois, with her own Everik
• Avery Roper riding Samantha Roper's Willpower

Bronze Medal Team

• Elaina Bertoglio of South Barrington, Illinois, and Nce Equestrian's Gayfield's Chantilly Lace
• Sara Brazell of Charlotte, North Carolina, aboard her own Biggie Smalls
• Peyton Scott of Papillion, Nebraska, with Micaela Kennedy's Solo Canto
• Alita Liggett and Sirena Liggett's Virgo DC

The Northeast competition saw 14 teams compete and was held July 31 - August 4 at New York Horse & Pony in Saugerties, New York. 

Gold Medal Team

• Kendall Casaccio of Marmora, New Jersey, aboard Redfield Farm's Freya D'Ambel
• Gabrielle McKay of Barkhamsted, Connecticut, with Cindy Italiaander's The Great Zar
• Macy Rutledge of West Simsbury, Connecticut, with Shawn Mack's Knock Knock
• Luca Tai of Short Hills, New Jersey, and her own Odyssey Saki

Silver Medal Team

• Amarah Gaby of Bolton, Massachusetts, and Corriado, owned by Jackie Marks
• Taylor Kendall of Dover, Massachusetts, with Alida Coo-Kendall's Denario
• Blythe Low of Falmouth, Maine, and Cheryl Amaral Mckee's Glynhafan Calvin & Hobbs
• Francesca Morando of Wrentham, Massachusetts, riding her own Earro

Bronze Medal Team

• Molly Berardino of Villanova, Pennsylvania, jumping her own Westbrook
• Corrine Dunn of South Berwick, Maine, with her own Not A Cloud In The Sky
• Sarah McCombe of Riverhead, New York, riding First Bluee LLC's Touch Of Blue
• Kate McEnroe of Andover, Massachusetts, on Hadley Earl's Speck-Tacular

"My favorite part of the Hunter Team Challenge was getting to know my teammates—people I didn’t know before the class started," remarked Ashley Anderson, a West Challenge medalist. "We cheered each other on, stayed connected after the class, and even shared photos and memories. Winning the gold medal with my team was such an incredible feeling. The encouragement I received before my round made me feel supported and confident. This class gave me the perfect way to end my 2024 season, and I’d tell anyone considering it next year to go for it! You’ll have a blast, build friendships, and create lasting memories."

The West Challenge saw four teams compete during National Sunshine Series II in Thermal, California, over November 6-10. 

Gold Medal Team

• Andersen of Huntington Beach, California, with her own Midsummer Reverie
• Evie Becky of Pacific Palisades, California, on Becky Equestrian LLC's Ratatat
• Jennifer Geisler of Reno, Nevada, riding her own Easy Boy Frivol

Silver Medal Team

• Lauren Bendowski of Las Vegas, Nevada, jumping her own Calabria
• Jade Fan of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and her own Airmiles Z
• Darcy Mavis of San Luis Obispo, California, with her own Creeksides Lion King
• Dillon Tung of Oregon City, Oregon, and her own Quality Silva

Bronze Medal Team

• Ellie Kalafatas of Ross, California, with Avery Kalafatas' Calendar Girl
• Audrey Harris of San Luis Obispo, California, and her own Fingers Crossed
• Alexa Hoven of Happy Valley, Oregon, riding her own Drambuie LS

"My favorite part of the 2024 Hunter Team Challenge was meeting new people and cheering each other on," said Becky, a West Challenge medalist. "Winning the gold medal felt special because every team member contributed to the win. This year’s challenge will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my last show with my horse, Ratatat—what a beautiful way to end our journey together! Riding is an individual sport, but the Team Challenge gives you a unique chance to experience being part of a team. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone considering it next year. It’s a fun, memorable way to wrap up the show season. Huge thanks to everyone who organizes this wonderful event each year!"

The Southeast competition saw seven teams compete during Jump For The Children II in Raleigh, North Carolina, over November 13-17. 

Gold Medal Team

• Harrison Collier of Charlette, North Carolina, and his own Quarry Lane Gold Rush
• Julia Stamatakis of Rougemont, North Carolina, riding her own Hide And Seek
• Sarah Thompson of Richmond, Virginia, jumping her own Monopoly
• Morgan York of Pittsboro, North Carolina, with her own Uptown Girl

Silver Medal Team

• Cate Evernham of Cornelius, North Carolina, riding Bedills LLC's Fly With Me
• Melissa Jones of Wake Forest, North Carolina, on Laurel Tinney's HSF Leamore Last Call
• Raegan Mentges of Toano, Virginia, jumping Addison Reed's Commander
• Emily Norman of Morehead City, North Carolina, and Heather Barley's Malted Barley

Bronze Medal Team

• Alysa Aarup of Greenville, North Carolina, on her own Doctor Blue
• Anna Meredith of Cary, North Carolina, with her own Falido
• Tessa Quarles of Raleigh, North Carolina, and her own Zimba
• Jessica Stamatakis of Rougemont, North Carolina, jumping her own Fernhill Divergent

"The team aspect of the Hunter Team Challenge was so unique—it’s rare to have a team event in the Hunter divisions, and it was amazing to cheer for my teammates and see their red ribbons proudly displayed," said Southeast medalist, Thompson. "Winning the gold medal felt incredible, especially since my horse is 19 and this was our first time competing in the challenge. I’d tell anyone considering this challenge next year to go for it. It adds excitement to the weekend, and the focus on teamwork makes it a truly special experience. Huge thanks to USHJA and Jump for the Children for making this event so memorable for riders at all levels!" 

This unique format allows for Hunter riders competing in the 2’-2’6” Children’s Pony Hunters, 2’6” Low Child/Adult Hunters and 3’ Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter divisions to experience what it is like to ride on a team by random draw. An additional bonus is that riders who participate in the Hunter Team Challenge can earn extra Zone Horse of the Year Points in their respective divisions. 

The USHJA would like to thank Official Sponsors CWD, Parlanti, and Nutrena. A special thank you also goes to the teams at HITS, Desert International Horse Park, and James B. Hunt Horse Complex for hosting the Challenges. 

Learn more about the USHJA Hunter Team Challenge at ushja.org/HTC.

Photos: HITS/Phoenix Jeannides, ESI Photography, High Desert Sport Photo, Kirsten Hannah Photography