Rodda Takes USHJA 3'3" Adult Jumping Seat Medal Final - West

Thermal, Calif.—Nov. 2, 2025—Twelve Adult Amateurs competed for top honors in the USHJA 3'3'' Adult Jumping Seat Medal Final – West over November 1-2 at the National Sunshine Series 1, held at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. After claiming victory in the USHJA Adult Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs on Friday, Renee Rodda and Cheval capped off an exceptional week with another championship win.

As part of the West Coast's USHJA Amateur Festival, the week also hosted the USHJA Amateur Hunter Championships and the USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs.

"It's been a fairytale weekend, I’m honestly kind of in shock," exclaimed Rodda, who rides for Zone 10. "I never expected to have a week like this. It’s just great, and I’m at a loss for words."

Over two days and three challenging phases, 12 West Coast Amateurs navigated Equitation-style Jumper courses designed by Kevin Holowack under the discerning eyes of judges Mark Jungherr and Jeremy Green.

Saturday’s competition opened with the Flat Phase, testing riders through exercises including counter canter, sitting trot, and lengthening of stride at the trot. Leading the field after the Flat Phase was Robyn Burton, of Nicasio, California, aboard Margaret Lyeth’s Le Touche, earning a score of 90. Close on her heels was Brianna Hammerman, of Westminster, Colorado, with her own Didorina EZ, scoring an 88. Scarlett Heller, of Westlake Village, California, and her Golden Boy RW rounded out the top three with an 87, leaving the leaderboard separated by just three points.

Returning in reverse order of Flat scores, riders tackled a technical gymnastics-style course featuring trot bounces, rollbacks, and grid lines. Rodda made an impressive comeback, jumping up five places to sit at the top on a score of 216 at the end of Saturday. Hammerman held strong in second place with a score of 214, while Burton moved into third with 213.75, maintaining the tight competition.

Sunday morning saw riders back in the Grand Prix Ring for the Jumping Phase. Rodda, last to enter, earned a cumulative score of 378, while Hammerman tallied a 381, both earning a spot in the rider work off, whereas Heller finished third overall. 

The top two—Rodda and Hammerman—were invited back for a rider work-off over a shortened course. Rodda ultimately secured the Medal title and topped the 30+ age group, with Cheval taking the Best Equitation Horse award. Hammerman earned the reserve champion distinction, closing an exciting and fiercely contested week.

"Our Flat Phase wasn’t our best, we were middle of the pack, but he could not have been better in the Gymnastics Phase," said Rodda. "It was his first time ever jumping in [the Grand Prix Ring], and he stepped up bigger than I could have imagined. Even today, with a rail and a second slow, he came through huge in the jump-off. He was incredible."

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 Amateurs are really fun," Rodda expressed. "We all get along and root for each other, even if we haven’t known each other long. Everyone wants everyone to do well. We’re lucky to be out here riding such nice horses and enjoying this experience together."

The USHJA sends special thanks to the entire Desert International Horse Park team for hosting the Championships; to Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti; and Supporting 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 - West Results

Rider | Horse | Trainer | Owner

Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 | Overall
*work off scores not included

1. Renee Rodda | Cheval | Kim Tasker | RMR Consulting 
81 | 135 | 162 | 378

2. Brianna Hammerman | Didorina EZ | Brannon Loomis Mooney | Brianna Hammerman 
88 | 126 | 167 | 381

3. Scarlett Heller | Golden Boy RW | Tammy Chipko | Scarlett Heller
87 | 121.5 | 169 | 377.5

4. Sarah Broadbent | Match Point | Rebecca Bruce Glynn | Sarah Broadbent
82 | 129 | 158 | 369

5. Alexandra Myers | Corleone | Nicole Norris | Alexandra Myers
85 | 112.5 | 166 | 363.5

6. Christina Haney | Cammander-C | Katie Taylor-Davidson | Christina Haney
79.5 | 124.5 | 146 | 350

Photos: High Desert Sport Photo