Wykert Wins 2026 USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals, Presented by East West Equine Sports Medicine
Midway, Ky.—Nov. 9, 2026—After seven years of competing in the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, Taya Wykert, of Zone 10, reached a goal she had been working toward since she was 13 years old: winning the 2026 USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals presented by East West Equine Sports Medicine.
“Winning the [USHJA] Horsemanship Quiz Challenge has been a goal of mine since I was 13 years old,” said Wykert. “This is my seventh year, and I am so happy to have finally won, especially being surrounded by all the friends I've made over the years.”
Held November 6-8 at Midway University in Midway, Kentucky, Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals brought together 20 participants from across the country for a weekend of competition, education, and connection. Competitors were evaluated through a Written Exam, Horsemanship and Identification Exam, and hands-on Practicum, with finalists also participating in interviews.
Wykert's championship was the result of years of dedication to expanding her horsemanship knowledge. To prepare, she made flashcards, asked friends outside the horse industry to quiz her, and worked through the updated study guide from beginning to end.
“I read through the entire study guide because it had changed this year,” Wykert, of Thousand Oaks, California, explained. “Having friends who aren't involved with horses quiz me was also helpful because it made me explain the topics in a way that someone outside the industry could understand.”
Her preparation and growth were evident throughout the competition, according to Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Committee Chair Cricket Stone.
“Taya's been coming for a couple of years, and she just keeps getting better and better and better,” said Stone. “Her confidence this year was high, and I think she was really prepared. She spent time studying the materials, practicing in the barn, and putting in the hours for the Practicum and the Identification exam. That preparation really made her stand out.”
For Wykert, the Practicum has become a favorite part of the competition. Athough she comes from a full-service barn, she is still expected to understand and perform a variety of hands-on tasks; she enjoys the opportunity to demonstrate the skills she has developed over the years.
“I've become more competent hands-on, and I enjoy being able to show what I know,” she said.
While the competition provides an opportunity to test horsemanship knowledge, Wykert said the relationships and community are what keep bringing her back each year. From the friendships formed with fellow competitors to the encouragement of the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Committee, the experience has become an important part of her equestrian journey.
“My favorite part overall is the people,” Wykert said. “Especially the banquet and getting to sit with all my friends.”
“We had a great group of competitors this year,” Stone said, echoing that sentiment when reflecting on this year's group of competitors. “We had a bunch of returners, but we also had some new participants who impressed me with the knowledge they brought with them, their enthusiasm, and how much they wanted to be a part of it. Hopefully, we'll see them again in the near future.”
The impact of the program has extended well beyond the competition for Wykert. She credits it with helping her build confidence in her horsemanship, develop connections with respected professionals in the industry, and discover opportunities for internships and working-student positions. The knowledge she has gained has also helped her feel more confident entering new barns and working with different horses and people.
Wykert attends High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, where she is pursuing degrees in biology and psychology, with a minor in healthcare management. She also rides on the university's Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team. While she does not currently plan to pursue a professional career in the horse industry, she said the communication skills, confidence, and knowledge gained through HQC will continue to benefit her.
As she looks ahead to returning to college and continuing her education, Wykert encourages other young equestrians to get involved in HQC, regardless of their current access to a horse.
“It's a great opportunity to keep learning,” she said. “Even if you don't have a horse, or your horse isn't sound, it gives you something to look forward to and a reason to keep building your horsemanship knowledge.”
The 2026 Nationals also featured educational opportunities throughout the weekend, giving participants the chance to learn from industry professionals, develop practical skills, and connect with others who share their passion for horses.
As the Nationals winner, Wykert received a $2,000 education grant, a SmartEquine certificate, a ribbon, and a Spy Coast Farm internship. She placed first in the Horsemanship/Identification Exam, third in Practicum A Exam, and fourth in the Written Exam.
In second place, Carrie Murray, from Zone 3's Ashburn, Virginia, took third in the Horsemanship/Identification Exam, and fourth in the Practicum A Exam. For her efforts, she received a $1,500 education grant, a SmartEquine certificate, and a ribbon.
Taking home the bronze, and representing Zone 6, was Clara Silva, of Madison, Wisconsin. She earned second place in Practicum A Exam, and fourth in the Horsemanship/Identification Exam. She took home a $500 education grant, a SmartEquine certificate, and a ribbon.
The fourth overall finisher was awarded a Nutrena gift certificate, a congratulatory certificate, and a ribbon. Fourth place went to Katherine Nunez of Zone 4's Coral Gables, Florida, who took first place in the Practicum A Exam.
The Committee also honored Catherine Sun, from Zone 1, with the Developing Horsemanship Award as the youngest participant at age 10. She was presented with a ribbon and a USHJA certificate.
Participants voted on their peers to earn the Sportsmanship Award, which was presented to the participant who exhibited integrity, supported his or her fellow competitors, and showed respect for each other. This was awarded to Zoe Santilli of Zone 1. She was awarded a USHJA certificate and a Herm Sprenger certificate.
Four travel grants, provided by the USHJA Foundation and East West Equine Sports Medicine, were awarded to Emily Arriaga (Zone 3), Emily Bruss (Zone 1), Silva, and Sarah Dinsmore (Zone 5).
Throughout the event, participants had the chance to learn from expert presentations, including sessions with Dr. Lori Bidwell, co-owner of East West Equine Sports Medicine the presenting sponsor of the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals, Michelle Ryan-Schwartz, a certified Herm Sprenger bit fitter, and Petr Julianov, a personal trainer.
They also observed the MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session, featuring clinicians Joe Fargis, Colleen Reed, and Jennifer Fessler. This enriching experience not only celebrates the achievements of dedicated young equestrians but also reinforces the value of horsemanship as a lifelong foundation in the equestrian sport.
The USHJA extends special thanks to USHJA Official Sponsors Stridefull, Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti; Presenting Sponsor East West Equine Sports Medicine; Supporting Sponsors Essex Classics, Spy Coast Farm, and SmartEquine.
The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge is supported in part by grants from US Equestrian and the USHJA Foundation. To help support the HQC program, click here to make a charitable donation today.
The Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge will be taking place virtually again this year from November 4-21. The competition will consist of a written exam, an interview, and a final practicum that will require participants to demonstrate their mastery of horsemanship knowledge across a variety of topics. Prizes will be awarded to the highest-scoring participants in each phase, as well as to the overall top finishers.
For more information about the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, visit ushja.org/HQC.
Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals Results
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Overall 1st: Taya Wykert
Practicum A Exam 1st: Katherine Nunez |
Horsemanship/Identification Exam 1st: Taya Wykert
Written Exam 1st: Sarah Dinsmore |
Press Release: MaryJo Peters and USHJA
Photos: Rachel Milewski/USHJA
