Olivia Sweetnam and Alice Goodwin Make History in Traverse City Equitation Championships

Championship Saturday at Flintfields Horse Park brought a new milestone to the equitation scene with the debut of the Traverse City Equitation Championships. With unprecedented prize money on the line, two riders—Olivia Sweetnam and Alice Goodwin—rose to the occasion to claim landmark victories.

Sweetnam Shines in the 3’6” Equitation Championship

In the $100,000 Dudley and Barb Smith 3’6” Equitation Championship, 16-year-old Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, FL, delivered a pair of polished rounds aboard Seven Miles. After two phases, she and Madison Ramsey were separated by just two points, leading to a decisive flat test. Sweetnam held her composure to finish on a total of 177.5, narrowly edging Ramsey’s 176 to take home the inaugural title. Lily Epstein and Charlie Brown rounded out the top three with a score of 171.

Goodwin Makes History in the 3’3” Championship

Over in the $50,000 Cherry Capital 3’3” Equitation Championship, Alice Goodwin claimed the spotlight among a competitive field of 25 qualifiers. Her consistent, confident rounds impressed judges Jimmy Torano and Bill Schaub, securing her place in history as the first-ever winner of the class.

A New Chapter for Equitation

Both championships required qualification throughout the summer season, with courses designed by Thomas Brawley. The innovative format, electric atmosphere, and record-setting purses underscored Traverse City Horse Shows’ commitment to elevating the equitation division.

For Sweetnam and Goodwin, Saturday’s victories marked more than just blue ribbons—they set the tone for what could become one of equitation’s most anticipated annual traditions.

Photo by Laila Klinsmann