Thursday’s Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search was held in two rounds, with twenty-six riders competing in round one. The top 12 returned for a test on the flat, and Katlyn Lovingfoss of Canyon Country, CA, prevailed aboard her mount of eleven weeks, Caracas 89, owned by Elvenstar Farm.
When asked about her partnership with the ten-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Lovingfoss said, “I just started riding him at the beginning of this circuit, and I feel like we have really bonded as the weeks have gone by. He is a talented equitation horse. He won [the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West] and was third at [the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East] with other riders last year, so he is a pro!”
Kaitlyn Lovingfoss and Caracas. Photo by Sportfot Photography
Liliane Kaissar captured second place aboard Boukati B, an entry of G&W Equine Partners LLC, and Zapfier, owned by Missy Clark & North Run, took third with Tanner Korotkin in the irons. However, Lovingfoss aced her performance in both rounds and came out of the flat test with the blue in hand.
Lovingfoss commented on her win, “My horse can lengthen and collect easily so the forward five-stride across the diagonal, and the following quiet line, was a nice place to show off!”
Today’s class was one of the few remaining opportunities for junior riders to qualify for the eleventh anniversary of the legendary George Morris Excellence in Equitation class, which will be held on Friday evening, March 23, in WEF’s International Arena.
Competitors need to win one of WEF’s big equitation classes, including the USEF Hunt Seat Medal, ASPCA Maclay, USEF Talent Search, or WIHS Overall, Hunter Phase or Jumper Phase, to participate. Lovingfoss, who also won week three’s WIHS Equitation Jumper Phase, solidified her spot with a day left.
“Winning this class has given me a little extra spark and overall confidence for the [George Morris Excellence in Equitation] class,” said Lovingfoss. “I just want to make sure my horse and I are on the same page and ready to go for tomorrow night!”