This year, the New England Equitation Championships marked 50 years! In its traditional venue in the Coliseum at The Big E in West Springfield, MA, the golden jubilee celebration was marked with candy apples, silent auction and equine vendors. The six-day event, organized by the dedicated volunteers of the NEEC Committee, stands as one of the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious equitation finals, showcasing the enduring excellence and tradition of the sport. All six days were livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.TV. The NEEC is deeply thankful to our sponsors for their invaluable support—this extraordinary week wouldn’t be possible without them.

The judging panel for this year’s event brought together the exceptional lineup of Hope Glynn, Mark Jungherr, Ken Krome, Walter “Jimmy” Lee, Tiffany Morrissey and Jack Towell. As the course designer, Krome developed sophisticated and technically engaging tracks that took full advantage of the Coliseum’s one-of-a-kind setting, thoughtfully tailoring each course to challenge competitors according to their experience and skill.

On Tuesday, October 14 the NEHC Adult Amateur 46+ Medal kicked off the week. Kate Nilan remained the leader through both rounds took home the Champion ribbon on Tibri’s Kantos (Trainer: Annie Dotoli), with Reserve going to Allison Wikander on Snake River Red (Trainer: Keeley Gambino). In the 28-45 division, Leigh Gallagher Tricker won the Medal on Liarado J.P. (Trainer: Annie Dotoli). Hannah Koch on Nibolensky took Reserve (Trainer: A. Farr).

Wednesday was all about our NEEC Alumni – Champions, Reserve Champions, and Horsemanship Winners from the past 50 years were invited back to the Coliseum for a friendly—yet fiercely competitive—reunion in the ring. Sixty-six riders rose to the occasion for a one-round class that included a built-in test. But with so much seasoned talent and scores running neck and neck, the judges simply couldn’t resist. Whether in the spirit of competition or just pure enjoyment, they called back the top 20 for a second round—one that offered riders the choice between clever, technical options or a more classic course. 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist and 1981 NEEC Junior Medal Champion, Peter Wylde, laid down back-to-back top scoring rounds to win the 50th Anniversary Alumni class win aboard My Star LVST. Giving Wylde a run for the money for Reserve Champion was 2020 NEEC Junior Medal Champion, Ellie Ferrigno, on FRH Remarkable. Given the mix of amateurs and professionals in the class, teams were formed and another set of ribbons were awarded to the pro/am pairs. First place went to Peter Wylde and Mariel Saccucci, with Caitlin Venezia White and Sarah Hirsh in second.

Also on Wednesday, Julie Ulrich was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Julie is a pioneering horsewoman whose lifelong dedication to equestrian sport led her from managing one of New England’s largest show barns to building an international reputation as a gifted trainer and mentor. A founding member of the New England Equitation Committee, she helped shape the foundation of the region’s equestrian community while training generations of riders through her thoughtful, horse-centered philosophy. Her career, marked by resilience, innovation, and mentorship across continents, continues to inspire riders to “ride for the horse” with patience, kindness, and integrity.

That evening, all were invited to the Basketball Hall of Fame for a cocktail party. The highlight of the night was a nostalgia-packed video montage masterfully crafted by Joe Dotoli, celebrating five decades of NEEC memories, laughter and triumphs.

A few fun facts from the past 50 years:

• Over 7,000 junior riders have participated in the NEEC Medal Finals since 1976
• 22 NEEC Champion or Reserve winners were also Champion or Reserve at Medal, Maclay or Talent Search Finals
• 6 horsemanship winners have gone on to be veterinarians
• 5 NEEC Champions have competed internationally
• 2 NEEC Champions have won Olympic Gold Medals
• 2 juniors have won both the NEEC Medal and Horsemanship Challenge
• 2 juniors have won the Horsemanship Challenge multiple times
• 1 mother-daughter combination has won the NEEC Junior Medal

On Thursday, Ella Bostwick aboard Jonkheer de Span was Champion in the 22-27 Medal (Trainer: Patricia Harnois) and Jessica Oswald on Lebaron was Reserve Champion (Trainer: Armand Chenelle). In the 18-21 section, Lindsay Swendenburg secured the Champion ribbon on Konfessions (Trainer: Patricia Harnois) and Reserve went to Daniela Carvajal on Scotch on Ice Z (Trainer: Lindsey Knight).

All Junior Open sections ran on Friday. The 15-17 Open section winners were Jenna Bach, Helena Timpany, Eleanor Pieters, Olivia Vlahakis and Emma Hakim. The 14 and Under Open blue ribbons went to Fiona Fitzgerald, Emi Richard and Alexandra Mehas.

The written phase of the Horsemanship Class also took place on Friday, taken by 100 riders. Originating at the NEEC and serving as inspiration for classes like it all over the country, our Horsemanship challenge is now in its 30th year. The class combines a rider’s written test score, practicum, and first round Medal Finals score to determine the overall top Junior Horseperson.

After completing the written test and Open rounds, families and friends gathered at the Marriott Hotel for an evening of laughter, memories, and celebration. The night featured the beloved annual video honoring Juniors in their final year, followed by the always-anticipated moment when the Juniors cast their votes for the Junior Sportsmanship Award. This year, they selected Caroline Stanwood and Morgan McCarthy.

Saturday marked the sixth year of hosting the USHJA 3’3″ Hunter Seat Medal Final – East. 106 Juniors competed in round one. The top 25 returned for a second round and the top 4 were called back to test. Thirteen-year-old Fiona Fitzgerald excelled in the test, moving up from fourth place to first to take home the Champion ribbon on Etoile (Trainer: Amber Viera, Jenna Gallegher, West Hill) and Victoria Valiquette on Charolette earned Reserve (Trainer: Andre Dignelli/Heritage Farm).

Next came a highlight of the weekend—the legendary, crowd-favorite Challenge of the States! The highest-scoring riders from the Open class teamed up in groups of four, joined by two chefs d’équipe, to proudly represent their home states. Donning creative Halloween costumes and competing without trainer assistance, the junior riders showcased teamwork and horsemanship as they strategized about course plans with precision and thoughtfulness that left their trainers beaming with pride. Gold went to NY 1, Silver to NY 2, and the Graduates took home Bronze. The individual high point winner was Eliana Klane. Thanks to an anonymous donor, all teams competed for prize money to donate to a charity of their choice. Gold chose the Equestrian Aid Foundation, Silver sponsored Danny and Ron’s Rescue and Bronze supported the Make a Wish Foundation.

Sunday’s NEHC Junior Hunt Seat Medal Final featured 190 riders. 2024 Junior winner, Blake Rowan, and renowned horsewoman, Ellie Raidt, lent their voices and experience to the livestream commentary during the final.

Between rounds, a number of awards were presented: Eleanor Pieters was named overall winner of the Katie Battison Horsemanship Award for the third time, winning the practicum with a score of 97 and the Final first round phase. Isabella Gravina-Budis won the written test section. Nora’s trainers (and parents), Annie Dotoli and Aster Pieters were then presented with the Cookie DeSimone Horsemanship Trainer Award.

Eleanor Pieters earned the High Point Junior Rider Award with a score of 92 aboard Tibri’s So True (Trainers: Annie Dotoli and Aster Pieters). Top scoring Juniors who never competed in a 3’6” final compete for a separate set of ribbons and award called the Challenge Cup. First place went to Madelyn Huson on Cincibuch (Trainer: Amber Viera).