Socks Secures Victory at the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Final - West

San Juan Capistrano, Calif.—Sept. 23, 2025—Junior riders from across the West Coast gathered on September 19-20 for the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Final - West, held at The Oaks Finale 2 in San Juan Capistrano, California. Rising to the occasion, Avery Socks of Encinitas, California, rode her own FF ButterCup to the win with a three-phase total of 347. Addison Henssler and Cover Girl claimed the reserve title, while Samantha Wood and Diador Von Der Heidi rounded out the podium.

"Winning this class is a dream come true, and I'm so grateful for everyone and every horse that has helped me get here," remarked Socks. "Being this year's winner feels surreal and incredibly rewarding as it reflects how much progress Barbie and I have made together and makes me even more motivated to keep improving."

Nine horse-and-rider combinations vied for the honors before judges Diane Carney and Gary Duffy. The competition opened Friday, September 19, with the Flat Phase, where Socks, of Encinitas, California, set the tone with a top score of 88 under the guidance of trainer Alysia Lynch-Sherard. Close behind, Hope Blackinton of Chula Vista, California, piloted Dayle Fischer-Lemire's Salazar to second with an 86, while Henssler and her Cover Girl took the third-place spot with an 85.

Following the Gymnastics Phase, designed by Nick Granat, Socks maintained her lead after the first two phases with an overall score of 211. Wood, of Hayward, California, and Diador Von Der Heidi finished the day in second place on a score of 205. Henssler again claimed third with a 202.

"I thought that the Final asked a lot of good questions in all three phases and really allowed riders to showcase both our skills and adaptability," noted Socks. "A common theme that I noticed through all phases was the emphasis on adjustability, allowing us to highlight our horses' range, and our ability to manage both track and pace."

On Saturday, riders returned for the final Jumping Phase, also designed by Granat. Socks maintained her lead, scoring a 68 for a three-phase total of 347, seven points clear of the reserve champion. Henssler, of San Diego, California, earned a 69 in the final phase to finish on 340 for the reserve title, while Wood's strong performances carried her to a 313 overall and third place.

"Barbie, as she's known in the barn, is incredibly smart and always gives her best effort. She seems to rise to the occasion, especially when the stakes are high," added Socks. "Overall, this Final was a challenging but rewarding experience that I will always remember."

The Marshall+Sterling/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal provides Junior exhibitors with the opportunity to develop their Equitation skills over a Jumper-style course, aiming to help riders gain experience in a format similar to that of the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search. The Medal is open to Junior riders who have not reached their 18th birthday as of December 1 of the current competition year and qualify for the Finals by earning points in Jumping Seat Medal classes during the qualifying period.

The East Final will take place during the Capital Challenge Horse Show, September 25-28, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

The USHJA extends special thanks to the entire Nilforushan Equisport Events team for hosting the Final; Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti; and Title Sponsor Marshall+Sterling.

For more information about the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal, visit ushja.com/jumpingseatmedal.

Marshall+Sterling/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Final - West Results

Rider | Horse | Trainer | Owner

Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 | Overall

1. Avery Socks | FF ButterCup | Alysia Lynch-Sherard | Avery Socks

88 | 82 | 68 | 347

2. Addison Henssler | Cover Girl | Hailey Scharping | Addison Henssler

85 | 78 | 69 | 340

3. Samantha Wood | Diador Von Der Heidi | Cassandra Keith | Samantha Wood

79 | 84 | 54 | 313

4. Georgia Bass | Cromwell 39 | Tasha Visokay | Makena Bloebaum

65 | 77 | 51 | 282

5. Rebekah Fertel | Chupito B | Brittany Massey | Rebekah Fertel

75 | 50 | 64 | 278

6. Tyler Wilson | Catch It | Paige Dendiu | TA Wilson Family Farm, LLC

68 | 61 | 56 | 271.5

7. Maya Wehbe | Caliber | Shayne Wireman | Kate Kaderabek

76 | 30 | 60 | 241

8. Hope Blackinton | Salazar | Dayle Fischer-Lemire | Dayle Fischer-Lemire

86 | 36 | 9 | 158

9. Jade Fan | Lexington Von Darco | Alicia Saxton | Jade Fan

83 | 49 | 0 | 156.5

Photos: Julia B Photography