USHJA Announces 2025 Outreach Backstage Pass Winners

Lexington, Ky.—Oct. 20, 2025—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the 12 riders that earned the Outreach Backstage Pass to compete in the 2025 USHJA Affiliate National Championships. Once again, this year's competition will be held during the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, over November 11-17.

Congratulations to the following athletes on being awarded the Golden Backstage Pass this year:

  • Zone 1: Annika Bourn of Somersworth, N.H.
  • Zone 2: Piper Wiest of Robesonia, Penn.
  • Zone 3: Brylee Durso of Shepherdstown, W.V. 
  • Zone 4: McKenzie Dewbrew of Valrico, Fla.
  • Zone 5: Gabrielle Steinberg of Pepper Pike, Ohio
  • Zone 6: Chase Anderson of Lake Mills, Wis. 
  • Zone 7: Morgan Gidney of McKinney, Texas
  • Zone 8: Stacy Nelles of Bluffdale, Utah
  • Zone 9: Marcie Gossman of Ridgefield, Wash. 
  • Zone 10: Kenzie Park of La Crescenta, Calif. 
  • Zone 11: Emily Kawashima of Honolulu, Hawaii 
  • Zone 12: Genevieve Lorenz of Anchorage, Alaska

The Outreach Backstage Pass is awarded to the highest cumulative-pointed Outreach rider in each Zone. The honor awards each recipient a unique experience during the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships, including the opportunity to compete in the Affiliate sections, course walks, and additional educational sessions.

“It feels so amazing to be the Backstage Pass winner of Zone 9," exclaimed Gossman. "I am so proud of all the hard work I put into showing this season. It took seven years of dedication to this sport, three different horses, and multiple trainers before I felt like I could really achieve this dream I’ve had for so long. It just shows that if you want something bad enough and have the drive, you can always get it. Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity to learn and grow, it really is a dream come true for me.”

To be eligible for the Backstage Pass, riders must be a free Outreach member or higher on or before the first day of competition to accrue rider points. Points will be given by USHJA Zone in each Outreach Hunter, Jumper, or Equitation section. 

“I am so excited and honored to be recognized as the USHJA Zone 5 High Point winner for Outreach competition," expressed Steinberg. "I have worked so hard this year, and winning this award and qualifying for USHJA Nationals is a dream come true. I’ve faced many obstacles along the way, one of my ponies even lost an eye after an infection, but through his rehabilitation, we went on to win the Chagrin Winter Series Short Stirrup Championship. That experience taught me to never give up. I’m so grateful for my family, my trainers, and all the wonderful ponies who helped me get here.”

Learn more about the USHJA Outreach program, including the Backstage Pass, at ushja.org/outreach. 

Photo: RandolphPR