Olivia Sweetnam Wins WEF Equitation Championship

Olivia Sweetnam secured victory at the WEF Equitation Championship held in the International Arena on Thursday night. Having missed the second round last year due to an error, the 17-year-old rider ensured she would not repeat that mistake this time. Riding the Holsteiner gelding Efendi, Sweetnam delivered two impressive rounds and excelled in the no-stirrups final test.

In this championship, only the top 40 participants from the circuit are invited, and they compete without direct support from trainers. Sweetnam navigated the pressure of walking the course and warming up independently, finishing first in the opening round with a score of 95, the highest of the day. Maintaining her lead into Round 2, she faced off in the challenging final test against the top four riders, which included demanding elements such as counter-canter jumps and a precise halt.

This victory marks Sweetnam's fourth participation in the Equitation Championship. She trains with Ken and Emily Smith and Danny Arendt, and her preparation was evident in her strong performance, earning her a spot at the top, ahead of Baylee Rowan in second place and Adriana Forte in third. Sweetnam credited her success to her steady partnership with Efendi, the 17-year-old gelding owned by Ashland Farm. From last year’s disappointment to this triumph, Sweetnam's journey highlights her potential for future achievements.