Adult equitation riders took center stage on the second day of competition at the 143rd National Horse Show at Tryon International for the day’s featured event—the NHS Adult Equitation Championship, sponsored by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. New champions were crowned across three age divisions.
MCKAYLA BROMBACH
NHS Adult Equitation 18 – 21 Champion Sponsored by THIS
LIBBIE GORDON
NHS Adult Equitation 22 – 35 Champion Sponsored by THIS
MATT LOWE
NHS Adult Equitation 36 & Over Champion Sponsored by THIS
The NHS Adult Equitation Championship provides amateur riders aged 18 and over with the opportunity to compete in a prestigious year-end final and experience the excitement of a true indoor championship. Whether they competed extensively as juniors or discovered the sport later in life, the championship offers riders a path to continue pursuing their passion beyond their junior years, thanks to the continued support of Taylor Harris Insurance Services.
MCKAYLA BROMBACH
NHS Adult Equitation 18 – 21 Champion Sponsored by THIS
McKayla Brombach made the most of a last-minute opportunity, capturing the NHS Adult Equitation 18–21 Championship sponsored by THIS aboard a horse she had only ridden for the first time two days earlier.
With just the summer to qualify for the championship, Brombach credited Whitethorne with helping her secure a spot in the prestigious final. Determined to compete, she traveled to the farm earlier in the week to try several horses before finding her winning partner.
“He’s awesome. He made it easy,” Brombach said of her mount.
A junior at the University of South Carolina, where she recently transferred, Brombach plans to continue pursuing a career in the equestrian industry while exploring other opportunities through her college education.
For Brombach, the opportunity to continue competing in equitation beyond her junior years is especially meaningful.
“I think it’s great for the growth of our sport, and I think it just gives everyone an opportunity to keep going,” she shared. “You don’t have to be as worried about aging out. That’s not the end.”
LIBBIE GORDON
NHS Adult Equitation 22 – 35 Champion Sponsored by THIS
North Carolina native Libbie Gordon celebrated a hometown victory in the NHS Adult Equitation 22–35 Championship sponsored by THIS, earning top honors as the National Horse Show made its debut at Tryon International.
Competing in her first year in the 22–35 age division, Gordon praised the courses for offering riders opportunities to make decisions based on their horses’ strengths while providing fair and inviting challenges. She also drew inspiration from her younger sister, who competed earlier in the day.
“She kind of laid the groundwork for me,” Gordon explained. “She went really well, and I tried to emulate how she went and ride the same track as she did.”
Having previously competed at the National Horse Show as a junior, Gordon was especially excited to return to the prestigious event in her home state.
“It looks beautiful today, and it feels definitely like the National Horse Show, a special one, and not like any other show that’s held here.”
Outside the show ring, Gordon recently earned her master’s degree in accounting and is preparing for her CPA exams. Her success reflects the opportunities the adult equitation championships provide for riders balancing their passion for horses with careers and other pursuits.
MATT LOWE
NHS Adult Equitation 36 & Over Champion Sponsored by THIS
Less than two weeks into their new partnership, Matt Lowe rode Bozzic to victory in the NHS Adult Equitation 36 & Over Championship sponsored by THIS, claiming the prestigious title in just their second show together.
The 10-year-old Bozzic arrived from Sweden in July with an impressive competitive record, and the pair’s immediate success marked an exciting beginning to their partnership. Lowe credited years of experience in the show ring, along with the support of his team, for bringing him together with Bozzic at just the right time.
“I think the culmination of many milestones is what brought me here, and then got me paired up with Bozzic,” Lowe shared.
Outside the show ring, Lowe balances a full schedule as a chief financial officer, spouse, and parent of two young children. He also remains actively involved in the equestrian community, demonstrating that a passion for competition can continue alongside professional and family commitments.
Tomorrow at the National Horse Show – Friday, October 23:
Junior equitation riders get their chance to warm up in the Tryon Indoor Complex in preparation for Sunday’s NHS 3’3″ Equitation Championship, sponsored by the Hamel Foundation, with the Pérez & Bennett Under 14, 14-15, and 16-17 Divisions. Stay tuned for full results, news, and pictures.