Lexington, Ky. – The first day of summer arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park on Sunday, June 21, and with it came a new set of champions. The 2026 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East came to a close with four 15 & Under division titles decided, alongside the prestigious 3'6" and 3'3" overall grand championships. After four days of competition in the Walnut Ring and Rolex Stadium, the crowning moments of the 2026 JHNC did not disappoint. 

Large Junior Hunter 3’6” 15 & Under 

Charlotte Morassutti (Toronto, O.N.) and All Inklusive, a 2016 Holsteiner gelding (Adagio Detalm x Davina), owned by Ava Berman, clinched the Large Junior Hunter 3’6” 15 & Under championship title with a total score of 260.5 across three classes. The pair held on to their overnight lead to claim the top honor in a field of 26.

For Morassutti, the victory marked her first trip to the Junior Hunter National Championship – East, and she made it count. Coming into the ring last, Morassutti leaned on her preparation and trust in her horse to deliver when it mattered most. "I wanted to ride it smoothly," she said. "I was a little nervous, but I knew that if I focused on my plan, it would all be fine."

All Inklusive, she says, made the job easier. "He has such a scopey stride, his jump is incredible, and he's so much fun to ride." The gelding lived up to his name all week, proving to be a reliable mount in the Walnut Ring. "This ring is so nice to ride in," Morassutti added.

Emi Richard (Middlefield, Conn.) and Encore, a 2013 Selle Français gelding (Tsunami de Hus x Mouette de Cresnay), owned by Rivers Edge, earned the reserve championship with a total of 258.78, with Katherine Mercer (Wellington, Fla.) and Cerulean Blue, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Diaron x Vivanetta Blue), owned by Frog Pond Stables, rounding out the top three with a 256.16. 

Small Junior Hunter 3’6” 15 & Under 

Katherine Mercer (Wellington, Fla.) and Maui, a 2016 Oldenburg gelding (Crumble x Die Cera), owned by Frog Pond Stables, saved their best performance for the moment that mattered most, claiming the Small Junior Hunter 3’6” 15 & Under championship title with a total score of 258.62.

The win carried a deeper meaning for Mercer. Competing at JHNC for the third time, she channeled the spirit of a younger version of herself to claim the title. "This is like the new USEF Pony Finals for me," she said. "I was always a little sad because I never won at Pony Finals. Getting to win this is like letting 12-year-old me know that it'll all work out."

The road to the championship wasn't without its twists. When Mercer and Maui competed together at their first JHNC last year, they finished 18th out of 18. "Look at where we've come now!" she said with a laugh. The gelding has grown into her most trusted partner, "He's like a puppy dog,” she explained “He always tries so hard, and he has the best personality. He's always so happy."

Ashley McCaslin (Wellesley Hills, Mass.) and Sweet Caroline, a 2011 Warmblood mare (Unknown x Unknown), owned by Kimberly McCaslin, finished just .28 points back in second with a 258.34, one of the tightest championship margins of the week. Adele Dewar (Ocala, Fla.) and Mr. Perfectly Fine, a 2018 Westphalian gelding (Balounito x Cover Girl), owned by Kyle Dewar, rounded out the top three with a 254.26. 

Large Junior Hunter 3’3” 15 & Under 

Paige Buzby (Chester Springs, Pa.) and A La Minute Z, her own 2018 Zangersheide gelding (A La Carte NRW x Unknown), were the class of the 3'3" Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division from start to finish, claiming both the handy round victory and the overall championship title in the largest division of the championship, with 68 participants across three classes. The pair finished with a total score of 260.268.

Competing at JHNC for the first time made the accomplishment all the more meaningful for Buzby. "It's pretty surreal to me right now," she said. "It feels pretty great." Standing in the Walnut Ring and watching the older divisions compete only deepened her appreciation for the moment. "I get to see the people I look up to jump around and watch what I would love to do in the future," she said. "It's just really special."

Throughout the week, Buzby leaned on her partnership with A La Minute Z, a young horse still finding his footing on the national stage. "He's still very young, so being able to help him and guide him around there and give him confidence really means the world to me as a rider," she said.

Penelope Sugg (Jonesboro, Ark.) and Ustica, a 2011 Warmblood mare (Ustinov x Carana), owned by Sweet Oak Farm, earning the reserve championship with a 254.028. Grier Van Rooyen (Fair Hill, N.J.) and Oswald van de Leeuwerk, a 2014 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Indouglas van het Bevrijdthof x Persinaa), owned by Calogera Borrello, rounded out the top three with a 250.816. 

Small Junior Hunter 3’3” 15 & Under 

Lacey Powers and Small Love claimed Small Junior Hunter 3'3" 15 & Under handy round with a score of 258.85 before going on to capture the overall National Championship title. The result was all the more stunning given how new the partnership is. Powers first sat on the 2013 Hanoverian mare (Chacco Blue x Wisilvia), owned by Elizabeth Reilly, Augusta Iwasaki, and Chris Iwasaki, just a few months ago, and the pair have wasted no time making their mark on the national stage in just their second show together.

Powers admitted the pressure of the moment was not lost on her going into the ring. “I was kind of scared because I knew she could win,” she said. “I just had to do my best and not mess up.” In the handy round, Small Love proved exactly why she is no stranger to the winner’s circle. “She does a good job of going in there and setting the pace right up to the line,” Powers explained. “If you’re a little tight or a little long, she helps you make that look the best it can.”

Behind the scenes, Powers has leaned heavily on her support system throughout the week, including mentor, Augusta Iwasaki, whose guidance has been invaluable. "I really want to learn from all of [my team]," Powers said, "and try to be the best that I can be, and hopefully one day be as good as them."

Elizabeth Giokas (St. Louis, Mo.) and Carige, a 2004 Holsteiner gelding (Cassini I x Ocay), owned by Wesley Whitworth, followed in second with a 255.1, with Robert Mercer (Wellington, Fla.) and Bonne Starlight, a 2012 Hanoverian gelding (Bonne Chance x Lughana), owned by Frog Pong Stables, rounding out the top three with a 254.5. 

Overall 3’6” Grand Champion – Presley Wade & Circa

Presley Wade (Wellington, Fla.) and Circa, stood above the rest, claiming the overall 3'6" Grand Championship title at the 2026 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East. The 2016 Holsteiner mare (Casall x U2 II), owned by Wade Equestrian Farms, LLC, proved herself one of the most complete horses in the division throughout the week.

"It has been a really long journey with Circa, and we've put in a lot of hard work," Wade said of her mare, who was also awarded the War Dress Memorial Trophy, a prestigious perpetual award presented annually to the overall Best Mare across the 3'6'' Junior Hunter sections. "It just feels really rewarding to be able to have this with her and to share it." The highlight of the week, Wade said, came on opening day. "My favorite moment was probably day one. We had scores of all 90s across the board."

Wade also spoke to the importance of a championship like JHNC for the next generation of junior hunter riders. "It's really helpful for us as athletes to experience harder tracks and a high-pressure atmosphere," she said. "It helps us get to know our horses better and build our groundwork. To me, this experience is invaluable." 

Overall 3’3” Grand Champion – Paige Buzby & A La Minute Z 

Paige Buzby and A La Minute Z capped off a perfect week at the 2026 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East, claiming the overall 3'3" Grand Championship title in what was a fantastic debut at the championship.

The title represented years of consistent work for Buzby. "I've tried my hardest to work as hard as I possibly can at home, and in the ring. I’ve worked on always being humble about the times where I'm not successful," she reflected. "Being able to finally get to the point where I believe I've worked hard enough to get here is really special for me."

The moment was made sweeter by the family and team surrounding her at the Kentucky Horse Park. Buzby acknowledged her mother and trainer, Kim, her father; her grandmother; and her groom, Jose. "He's been there for me since day one," she said. "He has taught me so much. From how to wrap polos to day-to-day horse care. I'm just so grateful to have everyone in my life."

Zoe Reick (Watchung, N.J.) and Suede, her own 2014 Westphalian gelding (Los Angeles x Petite Fleur), were awarded the Hannah Serfass Memorial Award Trophy, which was awarded to the highest scored overall athlete and horse in the under-saddle phase across all age and height divisions. 

 
Full Results | USEF Event Page 

 
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