Mill Spring, NC – October 25, 2026 – Junior equitation competitors closed out Week 1 at the 143rd National Horse Show with the NHS 3’3″ Equitation Championship, sponsored by the Hamel Family Foundation. Among the 190 riders competing for top honors in Tryon International’s indoor arena, one horse-and-rider combination rose to the occasion, delivering standout performances throughout the day to claim the coveted championship title.
After three phases of competition, the championship title went to Ryleigh Orton of Charlestown, RI, aboard Enjoy Trouzilit, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Greenlight Sporthorses LLC.
Coming off a championship victory in Saturday’s Pérez & Bennett 16–17 Equitation Division – Section B, Orton entered Sunday’s competition with a relaxed mindset, feeling she had already accomplished so much throughout the weekend. As the 109th rider in the order of go, she had the opportunity to watch several competitors before her and focused on enjoying the experience.
“I had already had a very good weekend here, so today I just wanted to go in and have fun,” Orton shared.
An impressive opening round put Orton in second place heading into the flat phase. A strong performance on the flat moved her into the lead, and she maintained that position through the final round to secure her second championship title of the weekend.
The victory marked a particularly meaningful milestone for the 18-year-old rider, who was competing at the National Horse Show for the first time and making her final appearance as a junior competitor. Making the accomplishment even more special was her relatively new partnership with Enjoy Trouzilit, affectionately known as “Joy” in the barn. The gelding joined her team just weeks before the Capital Challenge Horse Show, but the pair quickly developed a connection that helped carry them to the top of the leaderboard.
“Joy is probably one of the kindest horses I have ever met in my entire life,” Orton shared. She described him as a willing and dependable partner who takes excellent care of her in the ring. Outside of competition, Joy has a particularly endearing personality and a preference for an unusual treat: mini Club crackers. According to Orton, he enjoyed four crackers on Saturday and another four on championship day.
Orton’s trainer, Christopher Strucker, praised the young rider’s dedication and work ethic, sharing, “She’s the hardest worker. She’s the most amazing direction follower. I give her a plan. She executes the plan.”
After several strong performances throughout the fall indoor circuit, including top placings at Capital Challenge and the New England Equitation Championships, Orton’s championship victories at the National Horse Show were a rewarding culmination of the pair’s hard work and preparation.
Beyond the show ring, Orton is a high school senior who dedicates much of her free time to community service, inspired by family members who work in medicine and as first responders. As she prepares for the next chapter, she is considering a future in either the equestrian industry or medicine, although she knows horses will always hold a special place in her life.
Finishing as Reserve Champion was Kathryn Padilla of Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA, aboard Georgetown, an eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Highland Farm, LLC. Padilla, a 14-year-old high school freshman, spoke about the progress she and Georgetown have made together. Originally purchased from a jumper barn, Georgetown required patience and careful training to develop into a confident equitation partner.
“Every time we take him to the show, he gets better. He’s incredibly smart. He has come a long way,” shared Padilla’s trainer, Paige Dendiu, reflecting on Georgetown’s transformation. “Once he started to trust us, I think he was made to be an equitation horse.”
“There were a lot of amazing riders, so I felt a little nervous, but I was super happy with my horse,” Padilla shared.
Rounding out the top three was Ripley Ehrlich of Santa Monica, CA, riding Santini, a Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Meadowgrove Farm.
For Kristen Hamel, whose family’s foundation makes the championship possible, watching young riders develop their skills and build relationships with their horses is at the heart of the event.
“The mission for the family foundation has always been about education, the welfare of animals, and the welfare of people,” Hamel shared. “We’re super proud to be part of the National Horse Show and to support the kids and watch them learn and grow in this class.”
The National Horse Show extends its sincere gratitude to the Hamel Family Foundation for its continued commitment to supporting young equestrians and creating a championship experience that celebrates dedication, horsemanship, and the special bond between horse and rider.
From left: Paige Dendiu (trainer), Kathryn Padilla (Reserve Champion), Christopher Strucker (trainer), Ryleigh Orton (Champion), and Kristen Hamel (Hamel Family Foundation).