Klinedinst and MTM Brando Take USHJA 3'3" Adult Jumping Seat Medal Final - East

Lexington, Ky.—Sept. 21, 2025—Thirty-one horse-and-rider combinations took center stage in the Walnut Ring at the Split Rock Kentucky National, September 20-21, for the USHJA 3'3'' Adult Jumping Seat Medal Final - East. The Final, part of the USHJA Amateur Festival alongside the Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs and the inaugural Amateur Hunter Championships, showcased two exciting days of top Amateur Equitation.

Rising above the field, Hannah Klinedinst delivered a standout performance aboard Equestrian Closet, LLC’s MTM Brando, clinching the title with an impressive score of 397.625, more than 12 points ahead of the competition.

“Oh my gosh, I honestly don’t know that it’s processed yet," Klinedinst exclaimed of her win. "It’s so surreal. I’ve been preparing all year, and I just wanted to put in a positive ride. My horse is amazing, we are so bonded, and this really means so much.”

The Medal kicked off on Saturday with the Flat Phase, where judges Robin Mitchel-Swinderman and George “Skip” Thornbury put 31 combinations through a series of flat maneuvers. At the conclusion, leading the way on a score of 87 was Brenda Tananbaum of Southport, Connecticut, with Ashleigh Colantuoni’s Novello. Just half a point behind was Klinedinst, of Dallas, Texas, with an 86.5, while Hannah Eddlemon of Gainesville, Florida, riding Matt Martin’s Troubadour, rounded out the top three with an 86.

Competition intensified in the Gymnastics Phase, with the top three separated by just one point. Returning in reverse order of Flat scores, riders tackled Skip Bailey’s technical track. Determined to finish day one on top, Klinedinst delivered a strong round, keeping her composure and moving into the lead with a score of 213.625. Ashton Alexander of Ocala, Florida, climbed three spots aboard Brookeside Pine Farm, LLC’s Valiant to sit second on 213.25, while Kiera Corbin Philpot of Manchester, Michigan, and her own Red Roc jumped five places to move into third on a 212.

Sunday’s Jumping Phase set the stage for the final showdown, with riders once again returning in reverse order of their standings. Last to enter the ring, Klinedinst sealed her 12-point lead victory, finishing on a total score of 397.625. Alexander and Valiant secured the Reserve Championship with 385.25, while Eddlemon and Troubadour completed the podium in third on 364.25.

“Cantering up to the last jump, I had that ‘this is it’ moment. When it came up so nicely, I landed and was almost in tears. It was probably one of my best rides to date. My horse felt relaxed, I felt relaxed, and we were completely on the same page,” said Klinedinst.

Klinedinst's winning partner, MTM Brando, was awarded the Best Equitation Horse honor. “He was formerly my Jumper, and I’ve been doing the Adult Equitation with him the last three years. Each year just gets better and better. He has so much heart, and it’s been incredible to watch him own this new job and really love it. When we’re out there, I’m game, he’s game, and it’s just so fun. I couldn’t imagine winning this class with anyone else,” she said.

“I’m so grateful for my trainers, Matt Cyphert and Audrey Norrell at Woodhill Farm," Klinedinst continued. "They make this so fun, and I can’t imagine having this moment without them. It’s very special.”

The USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal Final is a three-round class that allows Adult Amateurs to showcase their Equitation skills in a Jumper style. This includes a Flat Round, a Gymnastics Round, and a Jumper-style course. The USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal is open to any Adult Amateur riders 18 and over that has not competed above 1.35m within that competition year. Riders qualify for the Finals hosted on either coast by earning 10 points or completing three classes during the qualifying period and may choose to compete at either location.

The West Final will take place during the National Sunshine Series at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, October 29-November 2.

The USHJA sends special thanks to the entire Split Rock Jumping Tour team for hosting the Final; to Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti; and Award Sponsor Essex Classics.

For more information about the USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal, visit ushja.com/jumpingseatmedal.

USHJA 3'3'' Adult Jumping Seat Medal Final - East Results

2. Ashton Alexander | Valiant | Berry J. Porter | Brookside Pine Farms, LLC
85 | 128.25 | 172 | 385.25

3. Hannah Eddlemon | Troubadour | Matt Martin | Matt Martin
86 | 98.25 | 180 | 364.25

4. Eleese Shillingford | Simply Stated | Michael Britt-Leon | Eleese Shillingford
82.5 | 113.25 | 161 | 356.75

Photos: Winslow Photography