2025 Adequan®/USEF Junior Competition: Four National Champions Decided on Day Two.

Lexington, Ky. – The first national champions emerged on the second day of competition at the 2025 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East. All four of the sections for the 16-17 age group tackled a challenging test on Skip Bailey’s handy course in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Walnut Ring on Friday leading into the overall awards presentations.

In the 3’6” Large Junior Hunter 16-17 National Championship, Verified and Parker Peacock from Pfafftown, N.C., took home the top honors. Verified is a 2013 Westphalian (Verdi x Quick Lady) gelding owned by Emma Vandenhouten and trained by Kelly Farmer. “My first show with him was about a month ago. This is my second show ever on him,” said Peacock, clearly thrilled with her win. “He’s been incredible for me, and I’m so lucky. He’s easy to ride, smart, and always gives his best.”

The course designer, Skip Bailey, set up a challenging course that allowed riders to showcase their horses’ abilities strategically. Parker Peacock praised the course, saying, “I think that’s what the judges were looking for.”

Moving on to the 3’6” Small Junior Hunter 16-17 National Championship, Babylon and Paige Walkenbach emerged as the winners. Babylon, a 2015 Oldenburg (Crumbie x Die Cera) gelding owned by Marnell Sport Horses, was successfully defended their title. Walkenbach shared, “I was really proud of him in the handy. It was definitely a hard course, but I think Skip does a really good job with all the courses. They’re challenging and super fun.”

In the 3’3 Large Junior Hunter 16-17 National Championship, MTM Enchanted and Madison Ramsey came out on top with a beautiful performance. Ramsey expressed her joy in their partnership, saying, “She’s like an old pair of jeans. I love that I can go out there knowing who she is and can relax and just have a good time.”

Lastly, in the 3’3 Small Junior Hunter 16-17 National Championship, All Too Well and Mary Kate George clinched the top spot. The competition was fierce, with Mary Kate George riding with skill and dedication to secure the win.

It was an exciting day of competition at the 2025 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of young riders and their horses.