Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals Kick Off This Friday

This weekend, 37 of the nation’s most promising young equestrians will gather at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey, for the prestigious 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East. Running from October 3–5, this year’s event will feature a condensed two-day competition schedule, designed to test and showcase the depth of talent in U.S. show jumping’s rising stars.

The Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program is a key component of the U.S. Jumping athlete development pathway. It helps Junior and Young Riders build the foundational skills needed to succeed on the international stage. Riders earn qualification for the Finals through a season-long series of Talent Search Classes held across the country, with top finishers advancing to either the East or West Coast Finals.

Weekend Schedule and Competition Format

The event will kick off on Friday, October 3, with a rider meeting at 10:00 a.m. ET, followed by a horse inspection at 12:00 p.m. and a schooling class at 2:00 p.m. Each competitor will receive a welcome package featuring Ariat TEK Performance Socks—designed for all-day comfort—and a YETI Tumbler to keep them hydrated throughout the competition.

Phase I begins Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. ET and includes both flatwork and gymnastics. The gymnastics portion—weighted with a 1.5x multiplier—will challenge athletes on precision, control, and their ability to properly prepare their horse for a round.

Sunday’s competition begins at 9:00 a.m. ET with the final jumping phase. Designed by the judges, this jumper-style course carries a 2x multiplier and will determine the top four combinations based on combined scores from all phases. Those top four riders will then return for the ultimate test: a ride-off where each athlete will ride all four horses over the same course to determine the overall winner.

Esteemed Judges and Special Recognition

This year’s East Coast Finals will be judged by Olympic gold medalist Chris Kappler and ‘R’ judge Caitlin Venezia White, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the competition.

In addition to crowning a champion, the Sunday award ceremony will include the presentation of the Hollow Brook Junior Sportsmanship Award, which honors an athlete who demonstrates outstanding integrity, sportsmanship, and kindness throughout the event. Nominations for the award—open to peers, trainers, and families—will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 4.