Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search
2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search - West
Final Results
1. Nicole McMillion and Change Up PS
2. Shiloh Roseboom and Zazou
3. Sophia Blake and E-Up
4. Katalina Raiszadeh and Cetello
Nicole McMillion Wins 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West Riding Change Up PS
Thermal, Calif. – After a thrilling third round and final ride off, Nicole McMillion secured the champion title at the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West.
McMillion (Huntington Beach, Calif.), who trains with Jim Hagman, partnered with Change Up PS, a 2016 Oldenburg stallion owned by Summerhouse Farm, LLC, for the finals. With this win, Change Up PS, known as “Timmy” in the barn, adds a second Talent Search title to his resume—he was ridden by last year’s West Coast champion, Avery Glynn.
Katalina Raiszadeh and Cetello Take the Lead After Day One of the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West
Thermal, Calif. – The athletes of the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West completed the first two phases of competition on Friday morning at Desert International Horse Park. A total of 22 entries completed their flatwork and gymnastic phases ahead of Saturday’s jumper course.
Katalina Raiszadeh (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) finished day one at the top of the leaderboard with Cetello, Zadie Stack’s 2007 Holsteiner gelding. The pair earned a score of 89 for Phase I and a class-leading score of 90 for Phase II. The scoring system for Talent Search Finals is weighted with a multiplier of 1.5 for the gymnastic phase, giving Raiszadeh and Cetello a comfortable lead on a total score of 224.0.
2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West Set to Begin at Desert International Horse Park
Thermal, Calif. – Rising stars of the jumping world will compete in California this week for the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West. This prestigious event is hosted this year at Desert International Horse Park in the venue’s Grand Prix Stadium.
Talent Search Finals consists of three phases for all competitors: flatwork, a gymnastic phase, and a jumper course. The top four athletes will be brought back for a final ride-off phase. In a new format that debuted at this year’s Talent Search Finals – East, the first two phases, while still judged separately, will be combined. Each athlete will complete their individual flatwork test, then immediately perform the gymnastic course.
Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search - East
Final Results
1. Eleanor Rudnicki and Qwantreau
2. Emily Jurnovoy and Favorit Julius
3. Baylee Rowan and Watermelon
4. Lily Epstein and Charlie Brown
Eleanor Rudnicki Secures Top Honors in 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East Championship Aboard Qwantreau
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.
Clayton Farrell Recognized with Hollow Brook Wealth Management Sportsmanship Award
The 2025 Hollow Brook Wealth Management Sportsmanship Award was presented to Clayton Farrell for his integrity, sportsmanship, honor, kindness, and generosity during the 2025 Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East.
The Inspiration Behind This Year's Talent Search Finals Jumping Course
Gaining inspiration from Nations Cups and personal experience, Talent Search judge Chris Kappler speaks on the course and format here in Gladstone as he celebrates the 40th anniversary of his junior year at this competition!
Meet Mac One III: The Biggest Personality
Mac One III (Luidam Elite x Original Way) is known for his extraordinary talent and larger-than-life personality, but no one knows him better than his longtime partner and owner, Taylor Madden. Madden purchased the bay gelding in 2008, after Missy Clark and John Brennan gave her the opportunity to ride him. Their partnership blossomed quickly, and in 2019, Mac stepped into his first USEF Talent Search Finals, with Madden in the irons.
Meet Ike: A Fruit Loop-Loving Jumper on a Journey
With his powerful jump and easygoing personality, Ike (Spartacus x Twister) is a horse who stands out in any ring. Known around the barn as a “sleepyhead,” the black gelding joined Amy Krebs’ family in September of 2023 and quickly became a barn favorite. After several successful years competing in the jumpers, Ike is now preparing to make his official career change this fall to better suit his naturally calm temperament and flexibility.
All Business (and a Few Cookies!): Meet Harry, Eleanor Pieter’s Foodie
When Eleanor Pieters imported Ares Ter Wilgen Z (Atomic Z x Bellisima Ter Wilgen Z) in February, she never imagined just how much they would accomplish in such a short time. From competing at the 2025 FEI North American Youth Championships in Traverse City, Mich, to gearing up for the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals – East, this duo has quickly become one to watch.
Eleanor Rudnicki and Qwantreau Lead After Phases I and II at 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals – East
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.
An Important Part of the Pathway in a Special Place 💙
Hear from long-time coach, Stacia Madden about the atmosphere at the USET Foundation and the stepping stone that Talent Search Finals is.
Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals Set to Begin Friday
Gladstone, N.J. - 37 of the nation’s top young equestrians are set to compete this weekend at the prestigious 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East, held at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, N.J. from October 3-5. This year’s format will follow a condensed two-day competition schedule, with flatwork and gymnastics hosted on Saturday, and the final jumping phases on Sunday.
The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation, the philanthropic partner of US Equestrian (USEF), is a non-profit organization that helps support U.S. equestrian athletes and horses competing in the seven international disciplines. Funding from the USET Foundation, made through generous donations of all levels, goes to USEF to support USEF High Performance Pathway Programs--like USEF Jumping Talent Search Finals--that offer opportunities such as training sessions, developing athlete international competition tours, horse and athlete development grants, travel grants and more to help ensure U.S. equestrian competitive excellence at the highest levels.
To further support talented young jumping athletes, the USET Foundation launched its Performance Pathway Jumping Grant in 2025. This program helps offset the costs of participating in USEF Jumping High Performance Pathway Programs, including USEF Talent Search Finals, ultimately helping to ensure financial barriers do not stand in the way of horse and athlete development.
For more information about the USET Foundation Performance Pathway Jumping Grant Program or to apply for a grant, please visit: https://www.uset.org/performance-pathway-jumping-grant/
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