Gladstone, N.J. - The 2026 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East concluded on Sunday, October 4, at the USET Headquarters, with JJ Torano and Oak Grove’s Carlyle claiming the championship title and prestigious French Leave Trophy.
Athletes returned Sunday morning following the first two phases, which featured flat work and gymnastics tests, for Phase III, and a newly formatted Phase IV, both designed to test precision, effectiveness, and adherence to the classical American style of riding. Phase III featured a technical course set at 1.15m in height, which included questions also seen at the top level of the sport, including multiple combinations and an open water jump, challenging athletes to execute accurately and efficiently. Scores from this phase carried a multiplier of two, with the top 10 combinations advancing to the final round.
Based on cumulative standings, the top 10 returned for a modified winning round over a shortened track, similar to a jump-off round. Athletes were evaluated on their ability to ride an accurate and timely round while maintaining control and demonstrating the horse’s ability to jump clear. Scores again counted for double in Phase IV, with the highest overall total score accumulated across the four phases determining the champion.
Torano (Wellington, Fla.) and Oak Grove’s Carlyle, a 2008 Holsteiner gelding (Casall x Roma VIII) owned by JET Show Stable, entered the final phase atop the leaderboard producing a polished and effective effort in Phase III, earning them the highest score of the phase, an impressive 94. Torano maintained his position in the top three across both days of competition, receiving a score of 94 for both the flatwork and gymnastics phases. The duo ultimately secured the championship title after a Phase IV score of 87 to finish on a winning total of 597.
"I liked the new format this year,” Torano said. “The first three phases went quite well. I’ve known ‘Carlyle’ for a while now; he took me to the win in the equitation down in Wellington, but this is our biggest win since then. I’m grateful to have him as my horse.”
The victory marks another milestone in an exceptional season for Torano, who recently celebrated international wins representing the United States in Aachen, Germany, during the CSI-Y Aachen, hosted alongside the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championships.
“This is my third time at this final,” Torano said. “It’s definitely a good feeling to walk away with the win, knowing many of the top U.S. athletes who have gone on to represent the team on the biggest stages, have also won this final. I hope to make it there one day too.”
Judges Chris Kappler and Michael Tokaruk praised this year’s combinations for their adaptability and effectiveness across all four phases.
“I really enjoyed the jump-off,” said Kappler. “It was fun seeing where each athlete made their choices; whether to go for it or set themselves up quieter for the next fence. There was a lot of good strategy with each athlete, and we see great potential in each one.”
“Our intention was for the flatwork to set up a good gymnastics day,” said Tokaruk. “And the gymnastics to further prepare the athletes for the jumping rounds today. We were really happy with the results.”
Adriana Forte (Water Mill, N.Y.) and Commander Bond, a 2016 Holsteiner stallion (Corrado I x Valencia IX) owned by ESI Show Jumpers, finished close behind Torano, in second with a total score of 584.5.
Forte and Commander Bond’s newer partnership shined during the gymnastics phase of the competition.
“The gymnastics round really set us up to be successful on the final day,” Forte said. “I really tried my best with each forward movement and felt confident going into today knowing how successful we were yesterday.”
Baylee Rowan (Little Compton, R.I.) and Watermelon, a 2016 KWPN gelding (Connect x Happy Wiggy) owned by Missy Clark, rounded out the top three with an overall score of 580.75. Watermelon also received the Grappa Trophy as the best horse of the competition.
Rowan credits the partnership’s consistency with Watermelon’s personality and her drive to succeed.
“It’s been a great year with ‘Melon’,” she said. “He’s got a ton of personality and he’s so special to ride. He gives me the best feeling any horse ever has. The format of the finals this year was really cool, and Melon responded well to the change.”
The following athletes were invited back for Phase IV.
JJ Torano and Oak Grove’s Carlyle
Adriana Forte and Commander Bond
Elizabeth Rinehart and Charlie Brown
Eleanor Pieters and Royale vd Rollebeek
Baylee Rowan and Watermelon
Alexa Curry and Valiant
Parker Peacock and VDL Cagaro
Campbell Cauthen and Qwantreau
Kaitlyn Anne Linck and Kapital Creation Z
Violet Tatum and Flotylla
The Hollow Brook Wealth Management Sportsmanship Award was also presented on Sunday to Baylee Rowan, after being nominated by fellow competitors and spectators. The award recognizes an athlete who exemplifies the highest standard of integrity, sportsmanship, and generosity throughout the competition.
The top finishers received Ariat backpacks and hats, with Torano also being gifted a YETI Roadie 32 Cooler. The top 10 finishers were gifted Platinum Performance gift certificates, a YETI tumbler, and saddle pad courtesy of Smartpak.
Rewatch the 2026 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East on demand on the USEF Network. Livestream brought to you by Hollow Brook Wealth Management.
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