Parker Peacock led all the way through the Valencia Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show on Sunday, winning the title after more than nine hours of a competition that drew 155 entries.
Trained by Ken and Emily Smith and their team at Ashland Farms, she earned a score of 98 in the first round and never let go. Her 96 in the second round for the top 25 in Harrisburg gave her a 97 going into the final test for the top six, where she scored a 96. The North Carolinian ended with a total average of 96.5.
The runner-up in the 2025 edition of the class, Parker was fifth last weekend in the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East. A consistent performer who attends Auburn University, Parker first and foremost gave credit to her mount, Montverdi, who was named the Best Horse in the class.
“He was outstanding today and I am so glad I got to be his partner,” she said.
Parker Peacock and Montverdi. (U.S. Equestrian Photo)
“He deserves all the attention. He wants to win just as much as I do. Every time he goes out, he gives me 100 percent. There’s a reason he’s the barn favorite, and I couldn’t be more grateful for him.”
Reserve champion was Kaitlyn Linck on Don Touch de Tiji Z. She is trained by Stacia Madden and the team at Beacon Hill. It was a close competition: Kaitlyn’s final total was 96, just a half-point behind Parker.
“I am really proud of myself and my horse for staying consistent and not letting the pressure get to us,” she said. “It’s really special to ride a horse I’ve brought along and spend so much time with.”
The courses were designed by Kevin Holowack with judges Geoff Teall and Jennifer Bauersachs, who used the open numerical scoring system.
“We all worked together for a long time to develop these courses,” said Geoff.
“I think we built for the top level of this sport which is a little more than I’ve done in the past, but with the influx of 3’3” competitions, I felt I could challenge the athletes more. The course was difficult, but we saw some phenomenal rounds.”
The finalists had to do an exacting test that included a change to counter-canter after cantering the first and second fences, a halt before another canter and then a hand gallop to the last fence, among other requirements.
On Saturday at the show, a former Medal Finals winner, JJ Torano, took home the Turnham Green/USEF National Junior Jumper Championship. Aboard Vitus K, the 16-year-old was clear in all three phases. He also contributed to Zone 4’s win in the team competition, a week after he won the Talent Search.
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