Adult equitation riders took center stage on the second day of competition at the 142nd National Horse Show with the feature event—the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) NHS Adult Equitation Championship. Sponsored by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, new champions were crowned across three age divisions.
SOPHIA BLAKE
THIS NHS Adult Equitation 18 – 21 Champion
BRENDAN WEISS
THIS NHS Adult Equitation 22 – 35 Champion
LORI DONFRANCESCO
THIS NHS Adult Equitation 36 & Over Champion
Photos by NHS Official Photographer, Shawn McMillen Photography.
SOPHIA BLAKE
THIS NHS Adult Equitation 18 – 21 Champion
The THIS NHS Adult Equitation Championship at the National Horse Show provides amateur riders aged 18 and over a chance to compete for a prestigious year-end equitation final, as well as the true indoor finals experience. Whether they competed extensively as juniors or had a later start, thanks to Taylor Harris Insurance Services, these riders have a path forward after their short junior careers come to an end.
“I did have a chance to show here my last junior year,” stated Blake. “I aged out early because I had a bad birthdate, so I was really happy to have the opportunity to have amateur finals.”
Blake, who is a Sophomore at UC Davis, also competes on her collegiate equestrian team.
“It means so much to me to add my name to this. I started a bit late in my junior career, and I wasn’t sure I would have the opportunity to show at these big shows.”
After college, Blake plans on being a sports psychologist.
BRENDAN WEISS
THIS NHS Adult Equitation 22 – 35 Champion
Consistency from start to finish propelled Brendan Weiss to the top of the podium in the 22–35 division of the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) NHS Adult Equitation Championship. Entering the jumping round in second place, just half a point behind the leader, Brendan maintained his composure and delivered a steady, precise performance that secured the championship.
Brendan rode Valient, a horse he was fortunate to borrow for the week from Over The Top Stables LLC. Remarkably, it was his first time riding Valient, and the partnership proved seamless.
Off the course, Brendan balances a demanding career in medical device sales, often spending his days in operating rooms. “When I come to a horse show, I truly have to take vacation because I cannot work remotely,” he explained. “I honestly really like what I do, but I very much enjoy the balance of the horses as well.”
Reflecting on his return to the National Horse Show, Brendan added, “I think they do a very good job at this horse show of making it very special, and making each part of the competition feel like it is a year-end final, so I was very excited to come back and be here.”
LORI DONFRANCESCO
THIS NHS Adult Equitation 36 & Over Champion
Lori Donfrancesco triumphed in the THIS NHS Adult Equitation 36+ Championship to finish the evening.
After a 35-year break from riding, Lori returned to the saddle almost five years ago when her daughter wanted to take lessons. What began as a family activity quickly reignited Lori’s lifelong passion for riding. Over the past year and a half, she’s ridden consistently, blending hard work, humility, and joy in every lesson and competition.
“You have to know your strengths, work on your weaknesses, and just be happy and have fun,” Lori says. “Because so many things happen that take us off our path, and you have to be resilient and keep working. I’m just thankful with everything that came together today—my horse, my trainer, my family—all of that.”
Tomorrow at the National Horse Show – Friday, October 24:
Junior equitation riders get their chance to warm up in the Alltech Arena in preparation for Sunday’s Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3″ Equitation Championship with the Pérez & Bennett Under 14, 14-15, and 16-17 Divisions. Stay tuned for full results, news, and pictures.