Nick Haness Reclaims the Spotlight in $30,000 WCHR Professional Finals

Nick Haness once again proved why he’s one of the best in the business. The Temecula, California–based rider captured his second career win in the $30,000 World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Professional Finals, presented by World Wide Technology, adding another major title to his résumé.

A Unique Challenge

The WCHR Professional Finals is unlike any other class of the year. The nation’s top four hunter riders—Haness, Amanda Steege, Geoffrey Hesslink, and John French—competed on four unfamiliar horses, testing their adaptability, instincts, and finesse. From an original group of donated mounts, seven horses were selected for a schooling round, with four advancing to the main event.

For the first time, the final round featured a handy course on borrowed horses, designed by Ken Krome, Meghan Rawlins, and Joe Carnicom, complete with a clever bounce option to challenge the finalists.

The Lineup of Horses

• Daily Planet, a 2016 Oldenburg gelding (Diacontinus x Quaid I), owned by Marlene Holland
• O’Neal, a 2018 Warmblood gelding (Braveheart x Maui La Silla), owned by Valerie Renihan
• Klutch, a 2018 Hanoverian gelding (Diacontinus x Cash & Carry), owned by Caitlyn Gidley
• Ton Amie van Spieveld, a 2019 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Le Blue Diamond x Dancier), owned by Ellie Goodfriend

Haness’ Path to Victory

Haness began aboard Ton Amie van Spieveld, where an early rail left him with a modest 87. His momentum grew with each successive mount, culminating in a show-stopping final round aboard Daily Planet, which earned a 95.33—the highest score of the night. His combined total of 371.65 secured the victory by a seven-point margin.

Podium and Honors

Amanda Steege earned second with 364.31, showcasing remarkable consistency and strategy. Geoffrey Hesslink finished third with 355.99, rebounding beautifully in round three aboard Daily Planet. John French placed fourth with 345.99, finishing strong with a 95 in the final round aboard Ton Amie van Spieveld.

For his win, Haness received the All The Way Perpetual Trophy, while Daily Planet earned The Far West Farms Perpetual Trophy as the horse with the highest final average.

Mastery in the Hunter Ring

With poise, precision, and flair, Haness once again demonstrated that few can match his adaptability and style in the hunter ring.

Photo by Pexel