The 2026 USEA Area III Championships, hosted during the Ocala Summer Horse Trials, brought together riders, horses, families, and supporters from across the region for an outstanding weekend of competition and community.
The weekend was full of eventing spirit, good friends, and incredible horses, while also marking the debut of Area III's fresh new logo as our Area III Young Riders prepare to head to the Eventing Young Rider Championships.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Ocala Summer Horse Trials organizers, the Area III Council, Adams Horse Supplies, I Love My Horse, our volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making this championship weekend possible.
2026 USEA AREA III CHAMPIONS
🏆 Intermediate Champion
Lexi Scovil & Undertaker 7
🏆 Preliminary Champion
Jordan Duffett & Charlie il Postino
🏆 Modified Champion
Addison Borton & Way Too Marvelous BSR
🏆 Junior Training Rider Champion
Madison Zgutowicz & Keep Kitty
🏆 Senior Training Rider Champion
Jennifer Buchanan & Rumer MWF
🏆 Training Horse Champion
Fuerty Cooley, ridden by Sinead Maynard
🏆 Junior Novice Rider Champion
Gabriella Britton & Chesterfield Dauntless
🏆 Novice Horse Champion
Maplevalley's Tyson, ridden by Katlyn Hewson-Slezak
🏆 Senior Novice Rider Champion
Merrell Waggoner & Big Bear's Coeur D'un Aigle
🏆 Beginner Novice Horse Champion
Folle Blanche, ridden by Mary Curran
🏆 Junior Beginner Novice Rider Champion
Marley Bridges & Triple Magic
🏆 Senior Beginner Novice Rider Champion
Anna Lauber & Feeling Courageous
🏆 Starter Rider Champion
Marloe Deppa & Cool N Versace a Pleasure
A highlight of the weekend was the support shown for Area III Young Riders. A huge thank you to Jon Holling and Zach Brandt for being such great sports and taking a seat in the dunk tank. Thanks to the generosity of competitors, families, and supporters, more than $1,000 was raised to help send Area III riders to the Eventing Young Rider Championships.
The Area III Council would also like to thank everyone who joined us for the competitor party, ice cream social, and championship activities throughout the weekend. Events like these help make the Championships a celebration of both competition and community.
Area III Championship Team Challenge
Congratulations to the top ten teams in the Area III Championship Team Challenge. Gift certificates for the top-placing teams were generously provided by Adams Horse Supplies.
🥇 1st Place – GWIF Groupies B
Madison Zgutowicz & Keep Kitty
Nicole Nair & Cooley Vita
Aya Koonz & Legendary Spots
Collins Zgutowicz & Rossmount Aldi Hero
🥈 2nd Place – Team Blue
Melanie Smith & Shakedown Street
Katelyn Smith & LSS Mic Drop
Carolyn May & Sky Moon
Catherine Baker & Diamonds and Pearls
🥉 3rd Place – The Red Flags
Merrell Waggoner & Big Bear's Coeur D'un Aigle
Marloe Deppa & Cool N Versace a Pleasure
Jennarose Ortmeyer & Peaceful Aimhirgin
4th Place – South Carolina Wrens
Mary Curran & Folle Blanche
Catherine Baker & Cougar Crest
Alyssa Myatt & Qorona
Margaret Schneck & Islandwood Border Patrol
5th Place – Scramble #1
Karl Slezak & Knock Out Z
Marley Bridges & Triple Magic
Brian Kilgo-Kelly & Mo McFly
6th Place – The Mane Eventers
Erin Wages & Cooley One To Many
Gabriella Britton & Chesterfield Dauntless
Elliott Timmons & Illaunurra Duster
Diane Berry & Belinda
7th Place – Class Act
Addison Borton & Way Too Marvelous BSR
Emmeline Tinsley & RL Horus
Sofia Taveras & Mr. Boombastic
Novilee Alvaro & Cleopatra's Rein
8th Place – Team Geven Orange
Carolyn May & Aidan
Melanie Smith & Cavalier Rendezvous
Ella Kay Lane & Double Dare
9th Place – Mom Thinks I'm Fast!
Cathy Rotola & PSU He's Smart N Peppy
Kathleen Abrams & Quiet Hour FD
Patricia Arnold & SE Heat Wave
Chrissy West & Dracarys
10th Place – Scramble #4
Ashley Carr & Elite Alchemist
Jennifer Buchanan & Rumer MWF
Alexis Ryan & FGF Actium
Elyse Levin & Kirato