Temecula, Calif. – Apr. 29, 2022 – Equitation riders took to the Jumper 1 arena Friday afternoon to contend for top honors in the CPHA Foundation 3’3” Medal. One of the multiple unique offerings from the California Professional Horsemen’s Association, the Foundation Medal is open to both juniors and amateurs and is judged on the current standards of the USEF Hunter Seat Equitation. Riders competed for valuable points toward the CPHA Foundation Equitation Finals, set to take place August 17-21, 2022, at the Blenheim Summer Classic in San Juan Capistrano. Taking the win in the class, topping 27 entries, was Jake Endicott with Toulouse.
The course for the day consisted of eight obstacles, including a vertical-oxer double combination at fence five. Riders were asked to test several skills while on course before final placings were made. They were asked to counter canter to fence one, which sat at the far end of the arena on a steep angle, then asked to halt after fence six in a tight corner before proceeding to the final line and finishing the course.
Endicott took to the course with Toulouse, a 7-year-old Selle Francais gelding he was showing at Temecula Valley National Premier II for the first time. The lack of familiarity on his mount did not faze him, however, as he flawlessly navigated the first few fences, smoothly riding the left lead to the fence one and wrapping nicely to the first line. He executed the halt to perfection, leaving enough room in the turn to pick up his pace again to finish over the last line. Without a score, riders did not know how they placed until final results were read, but Endicott knew he could be confident in his ride even though he went early on.
Just behind Endicott was Londyn Samlaska, who cruised to second place with a near-flawless trip over the short track. She maintained a consistent rhythm and her poise over the fences and expertise in guiding Edesa’s Revel propelled her to the second position. Gabrielle Sokolow claimed third with Just Cavalli, impressing the judges with her style and grace and putting forward a solid round.
Endicott, while a part of a significant equestrian family on the West Coast, just began seriously riding a few years ago. He’s shot to the top of both the equitation and jumper rings, proving he has what it takes to succeed and he plans to pursue a life as a professional rider once he ages out next year. His ability to adapt to a new mount and win as soon as his first show is evidence enough that he has absorbed the knowledge and acquired the skill it takes to perform at a high level in equestrian sport. Now that he’s conquered West Coast horse shows, he plans to take his talents east soon to see how he can continue to grow his skills and evolve into a professional athlete.
FROM THE WINNERS CIRCLE
Jake Endicott – CPHA Foundation 3’3” Medal winner
On his equitation career so far:
“I’ve been doing the equitation for a long enough time now that it’s not super new or as stressful as it used to be. It’s a new horse; that was my first time showing him and he was very good. It went really smoothly and as planned. It’s an Elvenstar horse and I rode him two or three times before I showed and got to jump him around in the schooling ring and he was very good.”
On the course:
“In the Foundation [Medal], they put the test in the course, so we counter-cantered the first jump and incorporated the halt after six. It was pretty simple with only eight jumps. It wasn’t too technical.”
On life as a rider:
“It’s changed pretty drastically. I started doing online school which has made things a lot easier. This is my life now. I just ride every day and go to the barn and show a lot. This is the only thing I do now. I have a little time to hang out with friends from the school I used to go to. I’m planning on turning pro next year and hopefully going out to the East Coast and staying out there.”
On how to switch gears from equitation to jumpers:
“It’s pretty routine now; I just give myself enough time between two classes to focus on a completely different ride and going fast.”
RESULTS
CPHA Foundation Medal 3’3”
Horse / Rider / Owner
1. Toulouse / Jake Endicott / Elvenstar Farm
2. Edesa’s Revel / Londyn Samlaska / Londyn Samlaska
3. Just Cavalli / Gabrielle Sokolow / Gabrielle Sokolow
4. Quinten F / Morgan Wiebe / David Bustillos
5. Resonate / Ella Dyson / West Hill
6. Bruce Wayne / Makenzie Damus / Makenzie Damus
7. Fedro Della Favorita / Malya Hersha / Pamela Cole
8. G-Star / Katie Jorczak / CNC-OLO Farm LLC
