The spotlight was on at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park as top junior riders from across the country gathered for the 2025 USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic – East, presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry University. Among them, three standout Arion riders rose to the occasion — showcasing not only poise and precision but the elite partnership Arion is proud to support.

The Gladstone Cup is a prestigious three-round equitation event held during the Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships – East at the Kentucky Horse Park. Open to qualified junior riders, it begins with a traditional hunter-style course (Round 1), followed by a handy hunter round (Round 2), and concludes with a final test for the top six riders who swap horses.

The format challenges not just technical precision but also adaptability, feel, and horsemanship, making it one of the most well-rounded equitation competitions in the country. The top 25 scores advance to the second round, and the final test includes both a new mount and a shortened track, raising the stakes for every finalist.

Arion athlete Taylor Cawley delivered a commanding performance aboard Cheap Trick WM Z, taking home top honors. Scoring a 92 in Round 1 and a 96 in the handy round, Taylor led heading into the final rider-swap test and sealed the win with ease. Cheap Trick WM Z was also named “Best Equitation Horse”, rounding out a memorable finish.

Parker Peacock & Montverdi. ©WinslowPhotography

Parker Peacock piloted Montverdi beautifully around the first two phases, scoring an 88 in the first round and an 87.5 in the handy round. Their consistency earned them a spot in the final six, where Parker held her own in the challenging rider swap aboard Faith Schuttemeyer’s Patronas, finishing in the top four.

Cecilia Chatterjee & Coconder PS. ©WinslowPhotography

Cecilia Chatterjee delivered beautiful rounds aboard Coconder PS, catching the judges’ eyes with smooth rides and thoughtful execution. The pair scored an 89.75 in the first round and a 86.5 in the second round.  Advancing to the final test is no small feat, and Cece made the most of it, finishing in sixth place out of one hundred and twenty-nine horse and rider combinations. 

Parker Peacock & Verified accepting the Overall Grand Hunter Champion at the Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship-East. ©WinslowPhotography

Rounding out the week with another major accomplishment, Parker Peacock and her standout partner,Verified claimed the Overall Grand Champion title and were presented with the Monarch International Perpetual Trophy at the Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East. Verified is a 2013 Westphalian (Verdi x Quick Lady) gelding owned by Emma Vandenhouten and trained by Kelly Farmer. 

The high-scoring pair earned an impressive score of 108.22 in the classic round and a flashy 107.80 in the handy round. “My first show with him was about a month ago. This is my second show ever on him,” says Peacock in an interview with US Equestrian. “I was lucky enough to get the ride from Kelly Farmer and his owner, Emma Vandenhouten, and ever since then, I’ve absolutely adored him. He’s been incredible for me, and I’m so lucky.” 

Parker Peacock & Verified. ©WinslowPhotography