Easley and Fryer Earn Top Hunter Honors at 2026 Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships
Las Vegas, Nev.—Nov. 14, 2026—The Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships, continued at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa with the crowning of the Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter and Grand Champion Junior Hunter, alongside Bling Awards. Mary Easley and her own Union earned Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter honors, while Stella Fryer and her own Rock Hill claimed Grand Champion Junior Hunter.
Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter and USHJA Amateur Owner Hunter 3'3"/3'6" Championship
Making her first appearance at the National Championships, Mary Easley, of Pacifica, California, in Zone 10, made the trip a memorable one aboard Union, capturing the USHJA Amateur Owner Hunter 3'3"/3'6" Championship title and the Soon To Be Grand Amateur Owner 3'3" Champion Perpetual Trophy, sponsored by the Smith Family. The pair earned wins in the Welcome, the Stake, and Under Saddle to take the Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter title.
Having owned Union, affectionately known as Nico in the barn, for approximately two years, Easley has enjoyed developing the now 8-year-old gelding since purchasing him as a five-year-old from Marissa Metzger.
"I love developing babies, and it has been super rewarding with Union. I'm really happy to see him winning and getting all of his glory," she said. "He's a total ham," Easley said. "He absolutely loves to show, he's super playful with the guys, and an absolute cookie monster."
Easley brought Union to gain experience ahead of her goal of competing on the East Coast indoor circuit next year. Throughout the week, she made a point to enjoy the experience rather than focus on the standings.
"I like to have a lot of fun, and I like to not think about the points and where we're sitting," she explained. "I really try to focus on the experience and enjoying my horse, especially as he is now."
Grand Champion Junior Hunter and USHJA Junior Hunter 3'6" Championship
Stella Fryer, of Danville, California, in Zone 10, claimed the Grand Champion Junior Hunter title aboard her own Rock Hill, earning the Grand Junior Hunter For Fun Perpetual Trophy, donated by Bridgeport Farm. Fryer also captured the USHJA Junior Hunter 3'6" Championship, winning the Welcome and the Handy with consistent performances throughout the weekend.
Known as Rocky in the barn, Rock Hill has a personality that Fryer appreciates just as much as his talent in the show ring.
"He's super in your pocket, awesome personality," she said. "I love how hard he tries for me."
A successful Hunter and Equitation horse, Rocky's versatility makes the partnership especially rewarding. Making her first trip to the National Championships and to Las Vegas, Fryer enjoyed the opportunity to compete indoors.
"It feels very prestigious being in an indoor. It kind of feels like another version of being back East for indoors," she said.
Reflecting on her championship finish, Fryer added, "It's super exciting and super fun [to have won]."
The day’s additional award winners include:
High Score Amateur Owner Hunter
Mary Easley and her own Union, with a score of 85
Daphne Stavig and her own Nantucket Bay, with a score of 85
USHJA Small Junior Hunter 3'3" Championship
Chivalrous, owned by K & L Phillips and ridden by Stella Saunders
USHJA Large Junior Hunter 3'3" Championship and the Large Junior Hunter Division Perpetual Trophy, donated by Balmoral Farm and Mr. and Mrs. Carleton Brooks
Wroyal Jester, owned by Tom Rattigan and ridden by Kyra Shahroody
High Score Junior Hunter
Chivalrous, owned by K & L Phillips and ridden by Stella Saunders, with a score of 86
Bling Awards
Jessica Koerner and her own Ace of Hearts Z
Amarissa Delarosa and her own Popsicle Pete WCE
The USHJA thanks the Desert International Horse Park team for hosting the Championships and longtime Title Sponsor Marshall+Sterling. Special thanks also go to Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, Parlanti, Stridefull, and Exhibitor’s; and Championship Sponsors Essex Classics, Human Touch, Prize Possessions, RingSide Pro, SmartEquine, GumBits, and the US Equestrian.
Live streaming coverage of all classes is available on USEF Network, and complete results are available here.
For more information about the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships, visit ushja.org/NationalChampionships
Press Release: Desert International Horse Park, MaryJo Peters, and USHJA
Photos: Andrew Ryback Photography, Terisé Cole/USHJA
