Caroline Signorino Seals the Deal in North American Adult Amateur Equitation Finals at Capital Challenge Horse Show

September 26, 2024 – Upper Marlboro, MD – Caroline Signorino opened the 2024 Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS) Equitation Showcase, presented by BIGEQ.com, at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, with a win in the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Finals on Thursday, September 26.

Caroline Signorino and Gerardus.

The 19-year-old hails from Basking Ridge, NJ, and is in her first year as an adult after a successful junior career. From a field of 37, Signorino led both rounds by pocketing an 89 and 90 aboard her own Gerardus to finish on top after two jumping phases and a flat. Judges Tony Sgarlata and Andrea Wells rewarded Signorino’s tidy turns, flowing rhythm, and poise over fences.

“I've been competing here since I was on small ponies, and it's been very special every time,” said Signorino, who trains with Geoffery Hesslink and Brendan Williams. “I was definitely nervous coming into the second round, and I wanted to have a smooth first jump so the rest could flow.”

Signorino returned last over Joe Carnicom’s course with her first adult equitation title on the line. “[Aging out of the juniors] has definitely been a big transition,” she said. “I wasn't sure what I was in store for when I aged out last November. Once I got the hang of it and wasn't all practice 24-7, it was nice to relax and enjoy taking time with the horses.

“This win means a lot to me overall,” she continued. “I wasn't planning on competing in this class because we have shifted our focus to the jumpers and hunters during the summer. But this horse can do whatever you ask him, so we gave it a try.”

Signorino is committed to compete on the NCAA equestrian team at Southern Methodist University in Texas and will begin there as a freshman in the spring of 2025. She will also continue her time at Capital Challenge by competing in the 3’3” and 3’6” amateur-owner hunters as well as the low amateur jumpers later in the week.

Signorino established a commanding lead from the start, and just shy of five points behind her was Elizabeth Cram of Aiken, SC. She scored an 87.25 in the opening phase and an 87.5 in the second to finish second on a 174.75 total. Fractions behind on a 174 total, Natasha Klingenstein of South Bound Brook, NJ, took third.

Caroline Signorino [pictured with trainers Geoffery Hesslink and Bethany Lee] is presented as winner of the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Finals aboard Gerardus.

Grace O’Connell Leads the Way in EMO Insurance Agency/USHJA 3’3’ Jumping Seat Medal Final – East

Gymnastics and flat phases for the eighth-annual EMO Insurance Agency/United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final – East took center stage in The Show Place Arena on Thursday. Grace O’Connell, 18, of Long Grove, IL, leads the way after the two opening phases.

O’Connell, who trains with Abby Blankenship and piloted Capitolino DVE, posted an 89 in the gymnastics phase—the second highest of the day. In the flat phase, which was divided into 14 groups, O’Connell was in the first group at 7:30 a.m. and scored an 86 to finish fourth overall.

Judges David Beisel and Julie Winkel evaluated 169 rounds over a Ken Krome-designed course before pinning their favorites and ultimately rewarding O’Connell’s consistency. Overall results will be decided after a final jumping phase on Friday.

“It's honestly surreal; I wanted to keep things relaxed because it is [this horse’s] first time indoors at finals,” said O’Connell who got the ride in April of this year. “We went in with the plan and tried to stick to it. I can't give enough credit to my trainers and my barn family.”

O’Connell is a freshman and collegiate equestrian at Baylor University in Texas studying business. “There’s no other place I'd rather spend my last junior year [than Capital Challenge],” she said. “It's been such a great horse show that I've gone to for the past three years.”

Grace O'Connell and Capitolino DVE.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show continues Friday, September 27, with the age group equitation divisions starting at 7:30 a.m., followed by the final jumping phase and culmination of the EMO Insurance Agency/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final – East.

Photos by Shawn McMillen Photography