Edited Press Release
Equitation stars took to the International Arena at Wellington International on Thursday evening for the coveted WEF Equitation Championship, presented by Arion Sellier, during the KASK-sponsored Week 11 of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). As Wellington International gears up for Rolex Finale week of the winter season, kicking off on March 26, all eyes were on junior riders as 40 qualified rising stars took to the big ring.
Watch the Winner
The win was earned by 16-year-old Wellington-based Olivia Sweetnam, who opened competition with a high-score of 95 in the first round. She coupled it with a 91.5 in the second round aboard Efendi for owner Ashland Farms. Following in the footsteps of her sister’s 2024 runner-up finish, Baylee Rowan, 15, of Little Compton, RI, took second on Quantum, owned by Missy Clark. Adriana Forte of Water Mill, NY, rounded out the top three riding Heritage Farm’s Candescent.
“I am so proud of myself and my horse, and a bit relieved to be honest. I was very nervous going into this,” said Sweetnam, who is trained by Ken and Emily Smith of Ashland Farms, and Danny Arendt of her family’s Sweet Oak Farm. “I’ve been working on staying focused during important finals and championships, and I hope I can produce more results similar to this.”
Andy Christiansen (USA) designed the equitation track, over which the top 12 were called back in reverse order for a second round. Four riders returned—without stirrups—for further testing: Sweetnam, Rowan, Forte and J.J. Torano, 14, of Wellington, FL, on Favorite Edition Z. Their test included showing off at a hand gallop, a trot fence, counter canter on both leads and halt after the last fence.
“I was nervous going into the final test because I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me,” said Sweetnam, who returned last in the test. “I’m not weak without stirrups, but I’m not the strongest either. I tried to focus on what was best for my horse and my plan and it all worked out.”
After the three rounds, Olivia—daughter of Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam—was crowned winner from two judging panels made up of Panel 1: Michael Tokaruk and Karen Healy and Panel 2: Tammy Provost and Caitlin White.
The unique format of the WEF Equitation Championship removes trainers and all outside help from the equation. Riders must walk the course, make their plan and warm up without the assistance of a trainer. Riders hand in their cell phones at the start and can only be assisted by one groom in the schooling area.
“I definitely relied on some of my peers throughout this class,” admitted Olivia whose trainers were spectators on Thursday night. “It’s a nice group of riders who are super positive and friendly. It’s nice to have them in my corner, and I try my best to be in their corners.”
Diane Landreville and Jean Bonsall observed the warm-up for the first two rounds and awarded riders a score ranging from minus two to plus two points based on their time management, horsemanship and effectiveness in the schooling area. Those points were either added or subtracted from their overall score. Sweetnam earned both available points from the schooling ring judges.
Of her horse, Olivia concluded, “Efendi is super seasoned in the ring, which makes me feel like I can step into any class and win it. He definitely stepped up to the occasion tonight. He’s been under the lights a number of times, so I wasn’t too worried about it. He jumped amazing, felt amazing and his quietness level was perfect; he gave me everything and more tonight.”
Wellington International expresses thanks to Arion Sellier, who presented gifts to all participants, a saddle to the winner, and bridles for second through fourth place.
Click here to learn more.
