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 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program is a cornerstone of athlete development in the U.S. Jumping pathway, preparing Junior and Young Riders with the foundation and skills needed for future international success. Athletes qualify throughout the year by competing in Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Classes across the country to earn the opportunity to compete for top honors at either the East or West Coast Finals.
The competition will open with a rider meeting at 10:00 a.m. ET on Friday, October 3, followed by the horse inspection at 12:00 p.m. ET, and the schooling class at 2:00 p.m. ET. Each participant will receive a pair of Ariat TEK Performance Socks prior to the competition. Keeping feet comfy and dry is no small feat. These socks are designed from top to toe for all-day comfort and performance. Athletes will also receive a YETI Tumbler as part of their athlete welcome bags.
Phase I begins Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. ET, where athletes will perform a set number of flat exercises before immediately continuing into the gymnastics phase of championship. Adding a one-and-a-half multiplier to their score, the gymnastics phase is designed to highlight adjustability, accuracy, and an athlete's ability to properly prepare their horse in the arena before the start of their round.
Sunday will mark the final day of the competition, beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET, and will feature a jumper-style course designed by the judges. Athlete scores in the jumping phase include a multiplier of two points which, when combined with the scores from the first two phases, will determine the top four combinations. The top four athlete-and-horse combinations will return to the ring for the final phase, which features a ride-off where they will swap horses and contest the same course from earlier in the day.
Judging the 2025 East Coast Finals are Olympic gold medalist Chris Kappler and ‘R’ judge Caitlin Venezia White.
The award ceremony on Sunday will also feature the presentation of the Hollow Brook Junior Sportsmanship Award, recognizing an athlete who exemplifies the highest level of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, and kindness throughout the Finals competition. Nominations, open to peers, trainers, and families will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 4.
Nominations can be submitted here.
To stay up to date with results, behind the scenes content, and daily recaps, click here.
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The USEF International High Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.