Violet Tatum Captures 2025 USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final – West

Rising to the Top

After finishing in the top 10 last year, Violet Tatum set her sights on improving her results in the USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final – West. The 17-year-old from Pacific Palisades, Calif., achieved that goal on Sunday at Desert International Horse Park, rising to the top of a competitive 46-rider field to claim the 2025 championship.

NCEA-Style Competition Format

The USEF/NCEA Junior Medal Final features a distinctive format modeled after National Collegiate Equestrian Association varsity competition. Riders are evaluated over a 3’3” equitation course and a flat phase. Following these initial rounds, the top four competitors advance to a bracket phase, switching horses to determine the final placings.

Tatum Takes the Lead

Tatum earned the lead after Saturday morning’s opening jumping round, impressing judges John French and Steven Rivetts with a score of 90.

Bracket Phase and Head-to-Head Showdown

The bracket phase brought together Kathryn Padilla, Olivia Aul, and Adelaide Ellis alongside Tatum. During this phase, riders switched mounts—Padilla and Ellis rode Tatum’s horse, Kruz, while Tatum and Aul took to Ellis’ Linford 9.

The final head-to-head saw Tatum matched against Ellis, each riding Aul’s horse, Copyright. Demonstrating composure, precision, and consistency under pressure, Tatum secured the championship and marked a major milestone in her competitive journey.

Looking Ahead

Tatum’s experience in this NCEA-style format will serve her well as she joins Auburn University’s NCEA team in 2027, continuing to develop her equitation skills on the collegiate stage.

Watch the competition HERE!

Photo by Laila Klinsmann