Parker Peacock Claims 2026 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship Under the Lights
Consistency, composure, and a flawless work-off earn Peacock the prestigious title and a brand-new Ford Explorer
February 9, 2026 at 10:50 AMBy b.wehner

Peacock Rises to the Top Under Pressure
Parker Peacock of Wellington, Florida, delivered a composed and strategic performance to claim the 2026 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship at World Equestrian Center. Riding Ashland Farms’ Montverdi, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding by Verdi, Peacock navigated every phase of the demanding championship with consistency and confidence, earning the prestigious title and the keys to a new Ford Explorer SUV.
Her victory came after multiple rounds designed to test both technical skill and mental focus, separating the strongest combinations from a field of 90 elite junior riders.
A Championship Course Built to Challenge
The championship track, created by renowned course designer Bobby Murphy, presented riders with a series of complex questions that emphasized balance, accuracy, and adaptability. As a 12-time Maclay Finals designer, Murphy is known for creating courses that reward thoughtful riding and punish even minor errors.
After the opening rounds, only 20 athletes advanced to the flat phase and a second jumping test under the lights. Riders then returned in reverse order of their standings for an intensified second round, with judges selecting four finalists for the concluding work-off.
Early Rounds Set the Stage
Several top combinations emerged as frontrunners during the opening phases. Olivia Sweetnam returned to the WEC Grand Arena aboard her longtime partner Class Act, posting an 87 in the first round and an 88.5 on the flat.
Elizabeth Rinehart opened strongly with a 91 aboard Charlie Brown and followed with an 89.5 in the flat to remain in podium contention. Adriana Forte steadily climbed the leaderboard with Diaceur, earning an 89 in round one and a standout 92 in the flat.
Peacock stayed within striking distance after scoring a 90 in the first round and an 88 in the flat, positioning herself fourth heading into the decisive jumping phase.
A Demanding Work-Off Tests Finalists
The final work-off raised the difficulty once again, requiring riders to complete the course without stirrups while navigating counter-canter lines, direct approaches, and forward galloping stretches.
Elizabeth Rinehart was first to return and delivered a solid performance to finish fourth overall. Peacock followed with a precise and balanced round, making the technical elements appear effortless aboard Montverdi.
Adriana Forte closed the work-off with another confident effort to secure third place, leaving the final decision between Peacock and Sweetnam.
Consistency Secures the Championship
In the end, Peacock’s steady performances across every phase proved decisive. Her ability to maintain accuracy, rhythm, and composure throughout the championship earned her top honors and capped off a memorable evening in the WEC Grand Arena.
The victory highlighted not only Peacock’s talent, but also the strength of her partnership with Montverdi under championship pressure.
WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship Results
- Parker Peacock – Montverdi
- Olivia Sweetnam – Class Act
- Adriana Forte – Diaceur
- Elizabeth Rinehart – Charlie Brown
- Taylor Cawley – Sharuk Khan Van de Bucxtale
- Rylynn Conway – Castlefield Spartacus
- Madison Ramsey – Leonardo
- Faith Schuttemeyer – Corochino Z
- Brooke Hagerty – The Original
- Wyatt Rofey – Dayton De Semilly
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Related Articles
Taylor Matalon Claims Victory in the World Equestrian Center Premier Cup 3’6”
Taylor Matalon claimed top honors in the World Equestrian Center Premier Cup 3’6”, leading a competitive field of 13 entries to victory aboard Cartier Me, owned by Matalon Equestrian LLC.Matalon Takes the WinMatalon and Cartier Me delivered a confident and polished performance that set them apart from the field, earning the top score and securing the Premier Cup title.
Other1 day agoVideo Available
Master the Grid: Precision, Rhythm, and Adjustability with Holly Smith
In the high-stakes environment of showjumping, the performance is often won or lost in the strides between the jumps. International showjumper Holly Smith worked with rider Victoria Wearing and her 8-year-old gelding, Paul, to refine the fundamental building blocks of a clear round: rhythm, adjustability, and precision.
OtherFebruary 5, 2026
Top-Tier Equestrian Sport: What’s Live This Week
From the sunny arenas of Florida and California to the high-altitude thrills of Puebla, Mexico, the world’s elite riders are out in force.Whether you’re following the road to the World Cup or cheering on collegiate athletes, here is your guide to the action happening February 3–8, 2026.
OtherFebruary 3, 2026
Latest News
Teamwork and Charity Take Center Stage in $100,000 Hunt Team Exhibition
Community, collaboration, and competition came together Friday night at Wellington International as hunter riders contested the third annual $100,000 Hunt Team Exhibition Stake in support of the Neil S. Hirsch Boys & Girls Club of Wellington.
Hunter1 hour agoErynn Ballard Rides to a Commanding Win in the Hermès CSI5*
Canadian Erynn Ballard steered De Flor 111 Z Santa Rosa, a 15-year-old Zangersheide stallion, to a decisive win in the CSI5* Hermès classic to close out week five of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington. She jumped double clear in both rounds in the 1.50-meter class, in which the top 12 in the first round of 42 competitors returned for the second round.
Jumping2 hours agoHilary McNerney is Uncatchable in the CSI2* $62,500 Grand Prix at WEF
Hilary McNerney and her 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Corlando won the CSI2* $62,500 Chrome Horse Tequila Grand Prix on Sunday during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington.
Jumping4 hours ago