Olivia Sweetnam Claims Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final

A Breakthrough Victory at Pennsylvania National

After years of coming close, Olivia Sweetnam finally captured her first Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. The 17-year-old from Wellington, Fla., topped a field of 157 entries at the 79th Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, Pa.

Rising Through a Competitive Field

The competition began in the Harrisburg Coliseum, where the first-round course challenged riders across a large field. Judges Ralph Caristo and Michael Tokaruk selected the top 25 to advance, and Sweetnam, aboard Efendi, leveraged the horse’s long stride to move into second place heading into the second round. Peacock led, with Epstein in third.

Flawless Execution in the Final Test

The final test for the top four riders featured a shortened course with counter-canter fences, a trot fence, and a hand gallop demonstration. Sweetnam executed flawlessly, landing both counter leads and completing each element with precision, ultimately clinching the championship.

Podium and Honors

Peacock earned second place aboard Montverdi, while Epstein secured third on Charlie Brown, who was also honored with the Doris H. Clark Memorial Perpetual Trophy as the Best Equitation Horse, as judged by the panel.

A Milestone Moment

With a combination of composure, technical skill, and a strong partnership with Efendi, Sweetnam’s victory marked a significant milestone in her equitation career and a standout moment for Ashland Farms.

Photo by Laila Klinsmann