USET Foundation Hosts the 2005 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search East Coast Finals at Hamilton Farms

Updated Sept. 9, 2005

Gladstone, NJ – September 7- The 2005 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Show Jumping

Talent Search East Coast Finals will take place on October 8-9 at Hamilton Farms, home of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ.  The nation's top equitation riders will compete for one of the most sought after equitation honors.  Four phases make up the finals: flatwork and gymnastics, jumping, and the ride-off of the top four competitors.  The flatwork and gymnastics will take place Saturday morning, while the jumping and ride-off phases are scheduled for Sunday.

The USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program, which began in 1956, seeks to educate and test participants by encouraging Juniors and Young Riders to develop show jumping skills, thus laying groundwork for future international successes. The Program consists of classes held across the country and the Finals which are held each autumn at the USET Foundation Headquarters, Gladstone, NJ and in Burbank, CA, during the Los Angeles International Horse Show.  The competition is limited to riders who are 21 years old and younger. 

The Finals for the East Coast have been held at Hamilton Farms since their inception in 1982. Although the class underwent a series of name changes throughout the years, the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search has remained an impressive test of riding ability and horsemanship.

Previous East Coast winners who have been successful in show jumping include: Andre Dignelli, who topped the East Coast Finals in 1985 with Chris Kappler following in second, McLain Ward, who took top honors in '90, and Lauren Hough, who triumphed in '94.

Some West Coast winners of the past who have gone on to compete internationally and represent the United States are Joie Gatlin, who won the West Coast Finals in 1982, Meredith Michaels, who proved victorious in '86, and Richard Spooner, who took the lead in '88.

Last year, Brianne Goutal took top honors in the East Coast Final and has continued her successful career with numerous wins and achievements.  The top ten for last year were: 

2004 USET East Results:
1 Brianne Goutal/Onira
2 Addison Phillips/Ricochet
3 Megan Young/Deneuve
4 Catherine Wright/Mardi Gras
5 Gabby Slome/Lando
6 Cassie Herman/Oxford
7 Michael Delfiandra/Cosabella
8 Whitney Hollinger/Grannox
9 Julie Welles/Redskin
10 Carolyn Kelly/Kontiki

For more information, contact Show Secretary Laureen Johnson at (908) 234-0848 or e-mail lzanzonico@usef.org

PHOTO CREDIT:  Brianne Goutal, winner of the 2004 USEF Talent Search. PHOTO BY: Jennifer Wood

For more information about the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, please go to www.uset.org.

Article courtesy of EuroDressage.com & Mary Phelps, PhelpsPhoto.com, HorsesDaily.com, DressageDaily.com

Image copyrighted: Mary Phelps/Phelpsphotos.com

Article courtesy of EuroDressage.com & Mary Phelps, PhelpsPhoto.com, HorsesDaily.com, DressageDaily.com