Haness and Odette Shine in $100,000 USHJA WCHR Central Hunter Spectacular

Traverse City, Mich.—July 12, 2025—There isn't a WCHR Hunter Spectacular that Nick Haness hasn't won, and his dominance continued on Saturday, July 12, in the $100,000 USHJA WCHR Central Hunter Spectacular. Aboard Odette, the San Clemente, California, rider soared to a record fourth victory at the Traverse City Horse Shows Great Lakes Equestrian Festival II, finishing ahead of himself on Clear As Day and Hunt Tosh with Cannon Creek.

“She’s the quality and the star,” said Haness of the standout mare, who captured the 3'/3'3" Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship in 2024. “I trust this horse so much and we have a bond that’s been building for a long time, so going into this type of event, she’s never let us down. She went in ears forward and jumped great, like a champion.”

Of the 37 horse-and-rider combinations that took to the Classic Hunter Round course designed by Meghan Rawlins, it was Haness who set the tone early. The West Coast-based rider posted an impressive 96.5 with John and Stephanie Ingram LLC's Odette to capture an initial lead of ten points. The margin only lowered thanks to his score of 93 aboard BR Farms LLC's Clear As Day, who slid into second on the leaderboard. Sitting close behind in third was 2024 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champions Hunt Tosh and The Wheeler Family’s Cannon Creek with a score of 91.

“Coming into the second round with big scores definitely adds an element of pressure, but I wasn’t nervous. Honestly, just riding her is a privilege," said Haness.

As the only pair contesting the 4' fence height, Tosh, of Milton, Georgia, and Cannon Creek were first to return for the Handy Round, earning a 92.5 for a two-round average of 91.75. Known for his brilliance in the Handy, Haness's first mount to return was Clear As Day, who scored a 94 to finish on an average of 93.5 and momentarily take the lead. Once again outdoing himself, Haness and Odette sealed the deal with a bold track that earned a 94.75, securing the win with a 95.625 overall.

The victory marks Haness’s second consecutive win in the Central Spectacular and his second WCHR Spectacular title of 2025, having topped the West Coast edition aboard Cavaletto Loma Z in March.

The USHJA sends special thanks to the entire Traverse City Horse Shows team for hosting the Spectacular, to Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti for their support.

For more information about the USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Program, visit ushja.org/WCHR.

$100,000 USHJA WCHR Central Hunter Spectacular Results

Horse, Rider, Owner
Round 1 Avg. | Round 2 Avg. | Final Score

1. Odette, Nick Haness, John and Stephanie Ingram LLC
96.5 | 94.75 | 95.625

2. Clear As Day, Nick Haness, BR Farms LLC
93 | 94 | 93.5

3. Cannon Creek, Hunt Tosh, The Wheeler Family
91 | 92.5 | 91.75

4. Chappy, Greg Crolick, Carole Chase
85 | 95 | 90

5. Golden Road, Nick Haness, John and Stephanie Ingram LLC
87.25 | 90.5 | 88.875

6. Hulla-Balou, Michael Dennehy, Dana Vollbracht
87 | 85 | 86

7. O-Chadischa, Jef Lauwers, Mia Holstead
85.5 | 85.5 | 85.5

8. Lantos, Madison Stewart, Madison Stewart
86.5 | 83.5 | 85

9. All Inklusive, Samantha Schaefer, Ava Berman
84.75 | 83 | 83.875

10. Tiara, JJ Torano, VBK Equine LLC
86.5 | 74 | 80.25

11. Small Love, Augusta Iwasaki, Iwasaki and Reilly
84 | 74.5 | 79.25

12. Byron, Jacob Pope, Two Jacks Farm LLC
84.75 | 39 | 61.875

Photos: Megan Giese Media/TCHS