16-year-old, Olivia Sweetnam Claims Top Honours at WEF Equitation Championship
On Thursday evening, 40 of the most promising junior riders took centre stage in the International Arena at Wellington International for the 2025 WEF Equitation Championship, presented by Arion Sellier. As the Winter Equestrian Festival moves into its final week, this highlight event during KASK-sponsored Week 11 showcased not only technical talent but also the individual responsibility and preparation required of top-level equitation riders.
This year’s win went to 16-year-old Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, Florida, who impressed judges across all three rounds aboard Efendi, owned by Ashland Farms. She led from the outset with an opening score of 95, followed by a 91.5 in round two and strong execution during the final test to secure the championship title.
Sweetnam’s win follows a family tradition of top finishes—her sister, Baylee Rowan, placed second in last year’s event. This time around, Baylee, now 15, finished as reserve champion riding Quantum, owned by Missy Clark. Adriana Forte of Water Mill, New York, completed the top three aboard Candescent for Heritage Farm.
A Show With A Difference:
The WEF Equitation Championship differs from most competitions in its format. Riders compete without input from trainers during the event. They must walk the course independently, create their own warm-up plan, and rely on their own decision-making throughout the competition. Phones are handed in at the start, and only one groom is permitted in the schooling area.
“I definitely leaned on some of my peers throughout the class,” Olivia shared. “It’s a supportive group and we all try to help one another—it’s a nice environment to be in.”
The course, designed by Andy Christiansen (USA), saw the top 12 riders return in reverse order for the second round, with four ultimately selected for a final test: Sweetnam, Rowan, Forte, and J.J. Torano, 14, of Wellington, riding Favorite Edition Z. The test included a hand gallop, counter canter on both leads, a trot fence, and a halt after the last jump—all performed without stirrups.
“I was nervous going into the final test because there was definitely pressure,” Olivia said. “But I stuck to what I thought was best for my horse and trusted my plan.”
Sweetnam also earned maximum horsemanship points from warm-up judges Diane Landreville and Jean Bonsall, who scored riders on their time management and effectiveness in the schooling ring.
Efendi...
A key part of Olivia’s success was her partnership with Efendi, a seasoned equitation horse. “He gave me everything tonight,” she said. “He’s experienced under the lights and always gives me the confidence to walk into any class and give it my best.”
The judging panels, made up of Michael Tokaruk, Karen Healy, Tammy Provost, and Caitlin White, evaluated riders across all three phases of the event.
Presented by Arion Sellier, the WEF Equitation Championship also recognised top riders with high-quality prizes. Sweetnam received a new saddle, while those finishing second through fourth were awarded bridles. All participants received gifts in recognition of their achievement.
